Sewa Kunj Brochure

Sewa Kunj Published by Rashtriya Sewa Bharti

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April 2015 | 2Sewa Kunj 2015


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In order to curb cattle slaughter to save farmers and the entire society from a grave situation, Aadarsh Gauseva Anusandhan Kendra was started at Maharashtra’s Akola town. The institution is working in three dimensions Go-rakshan, Go-sangopan and Go-samvardhan (protecting, nurturing and conserving the cattle). Karyakartas and scientists at Aadarsh are striving hard to make society realize the importance of panchgavya (five cow-based products such as milk, curd, ghee, cow-dung and cow urine). Poverty and ignorance compelled farmers to sell the cattle to the butcher and this further endangered their profession. Karyakartas realized the need to curb this practice to save the farmers and ultimately, the entire society from a great danger. Steps were initiated in this direction.

Some of the karyakartas also freed a number of cows from the butcher’s trap. However, where to keep these cows, was a big question. Aadarsh Sanskar Mandal provided them solution by donating them land and thus the foundation was laid for Aadarsh Gauseva Anusandhan Kendra.

Mr Modak, Revashankarji Sharma from Rajasthan and Maheshwari from Mumbai came forward to provide guidance about the medicinal values of cow urine (go-mutra) and cow dung. Panchgavya is used as a base in a number of Ayurvedic medicines. Research in the field of panchgavya became the prime objective of this institution and Aadarsh Gauseva Anusandhan Project was started.

Cattle farming is regarded as a supportive business to conventional

Aadarsh Gauseva Anusandhan Kendra, Akola


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farming. Karyakartas concentrated their attention towards the other aspects of cattle farming besides milk production.

Barren land is a prime cause of concern for farmers today. In order to increase the yield, chemical fertilizers were used in large quantities. This naturally resulted into depletion in the fertility of land. Hence, the production also suffered. Under such circumstances, it was proposed to use natural fertilizers and the cow dung manure that was being used in antiquity by our forefathers got priority. Special type of tanks have made designed for the production of this manure.

A layer of leaves, fodder, garbage, cow dung, etc is arranged in a tank. Water that is used for cleaning gou-shala is put into the tank. Go-mutra is also placed. Three layers are arranged one upon another and are kept intact for three months. The manure prepared in this manner is again recycled in the tank. Vermi-compost is also manufactured in a similar way.

In addition to these manures, a third type of manure that is obtained really makes us seek the blessings of Go-mata bowing at her feet. When a cow is alive, it benefits human beings right from the milk up to the dung in every aspect. However, when a cow is buried, good quality manure is produced after some days of its burial. The strength of this manure is several times higher

than any other chemical fertilizer. This manure has been named as ‘Samadhi Manure.’

Apart from this, a mixture of go-mutra and Neem leaves is placed in an earthen pot and this pot is buried in the ground. After some days, an extract is prepared from this mixture which is used as an excellent insecticide.

Today, renowned scientists of the world are also propagating the conservation of cattle and research in the field of panchgavya. Modern lifestyle blessed us with a number of commodities for materialistic pleasure. But air pollution is an increasing cause of concern in cities day by day. Planting more and more number of saplings is an effective solution. In addition to this, nurturing cows is also important because cow is the only animal that inhales oxygen from the air and exhales it with added purification. This has been proved scientifically.

Research is under way regarding



panchgavya medicines. It is believed that 33 types of deities reside inside the body of a cow. This belief has a scientific background also. For a human body to

remain healthy, 33 nutrients are essential. These are present in panchgavya. In our culture, go-mutra has been regarded as holy from religious point of view. The significance is not just spiritual but it is scientific also. Drinking go-mutra destroys toxic substances in our body. This has now been proved through a number of experiments. Go-mutra is used for treating a number of ailments including cancer. In order to avoid the foul smell, go-mutra has been introduced in tablet form by Aadarsh. A bathing soap has also been manufactured that brings glow on skin. 42 types of such medicines are manufactured at Aadarsh. Efforts are also in full swing for obtaining the patent for these medicines under able guidance of scientists such as Dr Vijay Bhatkar.

Not only the cow-based products, but the company of cows is also beneficial. This has been proved now by the scientists at gou-seva ashram. A temple of Lord Krishna has been constructed in the premises where the pregnant women perform a ritual called ‘Sapt-Go-Pradakshina’ so that they inhale the purified oxygen exhaled by the cows. The gou-shala has been built scientifically, timely fodder is provided to cows and a

water purification plant is also there to quench their thirst. A complete care is thus provided to cows. Experimentation is being made to utilize cow dung for preparing cooking gas and power generation. Cow is Kamadhenu in real sense and it is our duty to propagate this message by showing the example like that of “Adarsh” to the world.

ContactAadarsh Gau-seva Anusandhan KendraRatanlalji KhandelwalToshniwal Dharmashala,Gandhi Road, Akola 444001Maharashtra, IndiaPhone no: 0724-2425673, 2800239,09370369842www.gorakshanakola.com


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The opportunity to do something good is never lost; the only thing required is to initiate a step forward. If you want to render a helping hand towards those who really need your help, 'Aashray' is the best option. Because it has served as a great platform to inculcate sanskars and moral values among destitute vanavasi children in Chandrapur region of Maharashtra.

Aashray hostel for destitute has now become a synonym for nationalism. Destitute children, specially belonging to Aheri-Bhamragarh region are given parental care and are imparted education along with sanskars to make them better citizens of future India. Continuous efforts are being made by the karyakartas to build a team of well disciplined students with nationalistic views who would bring laurels for nation and also transform the face of tribal India.

Dr Hedgewar Janmshatabdi Samiti from Chandrapur has undertaken a number of welfare projects in East Vidarbha such as Swami Vivekanda Chhatrawas at Sironcha, Etapalli, Mulchera, Korchi and Jivti, mobile dispensary at Aheri, Vikruti science laboratory, blood donation centre, bal sanskar kendra, mobile library, self-help groups, etc. Projects are many, but the objective is only one and that is the upliftment of society and nation.

Chandrapur’s Ashray hostel for underprivileged and destitute children is one such project. The hostel established in 2003 is run in a huge building donated by Prabhakar Shridhar Patil. Just keeping one room for himself

Sri Arun Meshram looks after the management. Because of the economic help from kind-hearted donors in the society, this Aashray family is growing by leaps and bounds and the family members are leading a life full of self respect.

The annual expense per child is Rs 10,000. Setting of ‘Future Development Fund’ is on anvil to provide better education to every child. Occasions such as anniversaries, birthdays, remembrance, centenaries, etc are marked by donating for this noble cause. Apart from monthly donations from local people.

The then Chandrapur Vibhag Pracharak of RSS laid the foundation for Aashray. While taking a tour of vanavasi regions, he used to bring destitute children found in those regions. One of the kid was four-year-old whose name was even not known to anybody. As he was brought to the hostel on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, he was named as Ganesh, his father was named Shankar and the surname ‘Parvate’ was given to

Aashray; a shelter for destitute in Chandrapur



him! Most of the students residing at Aashray are deprived of their parents. However, now they don’t feel embarrassed because Aashray has given them parental love and the family atmosphere.

A number of karyakartas under the leadership of Dr SS Mungatiwar and Dr Hedgewar Janmshatabdi Seva Samiti President Samiti Secretary Wasantrao Thote, are working hard for nurturing children at Aashray.

ContactDr Hedgewar Janmashatabdi Seva SamitiNear Kala Ram Mandir, Samadhi ward, Chandrapur Maharashtra, 44 24 02, (Chandrapur is 150 kms away from Nagpur)Ph no:-07172-255701,09422180288Email:- [email protected],

Ashray is not confined to shelter for the vanavasi children but is “Affection Home” in real sense.


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Ahilya Mahila Mandal was established in 1997 with a view to provide self employment to women so as to make them self sufficient. For any nation to succeed, empowerment of women is necessary. A woman grooms the child so that he or she becomes a responsible citizen of tomorrow. Mother is the first teacher of a child. Women empowerment holds a special importance in India whose history is largely influenced by great women like Jhansi ki Rani.

Earlier, the work of Ahilya Mahila Mandal began with the production of snacks (Chakli) flour. Then the organization started provided training in tailoring. The authorities of Hetavane Dam Project also requested the centre to run a primary school in their colony and thus the work started gearing up.

At present, 90 members jointly bear the responsibility of the mandal and about 40 women are the field workers. The work of the organization is now growing by leaps and bounds. A variety of projects are now run by the mandal such as :

1) Mukti Vidya Mandir: Even after several years of Independence, the tribal population is still deprived of education. In order to enlighten the tribal masses, a primary school was started at Hetavane village in 1997. The village is located at about 8 km distance from Pen. At present, the school runs two kindergarten classes and four government recognized classes from standard one to four with a total number of 190 students. In 2004-05, one of the students stood first in the scholarship examination in Raigad. This itself indicates the hard work

Ahilya Mahila Mandal empowering women



which the teachers have put in.

2) Swad Bharati: Health is wealth that depends upon good food. In order to provide quality food to the students studying in hostels as well as the bachelors, homely mess Swad Bharati was started in 1999. Students who come from far flung places to the town and bachelors who come in search of work do not feel homesick now!

3) Swayamsiddha: In order to focus on all round development of women, Swayamsiddha centre was established in 1996. The centre provides self-employment training in the areas such as tailoring, painting, weaving, clay-modelling, Ganapati making, etc. Till now, over 300 vanvasi (tribal) women have received training here.

4) Maher (mother’s house): Nowadays, working women hardly get time for preparing snacks at their home. Instead, they prefer to buy readymade food products. At Maher centre, that was established in 1996, various food products such as pickles, snacks, sweets, etc are manufactured. This saves a lot of time as they get quality food at cheaper price to suit all the festival occasions.

5) Counselling Centre: This centre was established in 1997 so as to give legal advice to women regarding marriage problems. So far, eight couples owe their happy married life to this centre. Five alcoholics have

quit drinking. The centre has also helped poor girls to get married.

6) Sanjeevan Ashram: In order to take care of old men, Sanjeevan old age home was opened in 2003. Elderly people who stay here have an immense treasure of knowledge that can be tapped and effectively utilized for the growth of the organization.

7) Dr Ghate Health Centre: Generous relatives of Dr Gajanan Vinayak Ghate donated his house which now also serves as the house and office for the old. The centre was established in 2004. Poor patients are treated by charging nominal fees. Yashoda Pathology Lab also helps in the diagnosis.

8) Indira Sanskrit Pathshala: Sanskrit is regarded as the mother of all languages but still it is neglected. At Indira Sanskrit Pathshala, a special knowledge of performing various rituals is provided in addition to the school curriculum. At present, about 100 students of various age receiving education here.

9) Nataraj Nrityalaya: At this dance academy, classes are held once/twice a week so as to provide training in Katthak dance. Nearly 60 women have learnt classical dance in the camps that are arranged regularly.

10) Swanand Sanskar Varg: At this cultural training class that is held every evening, children play, climb


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trees and live life to the fullest by enjoying themselves. A proper justice is provided to their childhood which is hardly to find nowadays. Nearly 80 kids enjoy this activity. Snacks are also provided to them once a week.

Apart from all these projects, an yearly get together for women is also organized. Around 500 women take part in this programme and about Rs 10,000 are spent to provide them with breakfast, dinner and a small memento. Hostel for students of Sanskrit Pathshala; expansion of Sanjeevani Ashram; playschool for children; blood bank; ladies hostel; cottage industry; mobile dispensary and school for the handicapped are some of the future projects on anvil.

Real women empowerment can be seen in “Ahalya” which emboldens & empowers women in every respect.

Contact :1) Smt Vasantitai DeoDr Ghate Wada, Ziral Ali, Near Ganpati Temple,Pen, District Raigad, Pin 402107(Maharashtra, India)Telephone no: 02143-256718/252665, 09881716280www.ahilyamandal.orgHow to reach: 30KMs from Panvel



Sri Vivekananda Awasam—a home for the orphaned children located at Bhainsa is providing much needed warmth and affection to them. These children, who lost their parents either in any accident, or in an unfortunate incident, longed for warmth, love and affection so that they could feel at home. And Seva Bharti is doing exactly that. By showering affection and love on them, Seva Bharti activists have made all the 18 kids staying her feel like home at the Awasam.

Bhainsa is a small but important business hub for cotton trade located in the tribal belt of Adilabad district on the Maharashtra-Andhra Pradesh border. The children are wonderful and working hard to be toppers in their respective classes. Seva Bharti has deputed a dedicated couple, whom the kids fondly call “Mataji” and “Acharya”, look after them and manage the daily

scores of the hostel. A Seva Bharti committee looks after the other affairs and overall management and maintenance of the hostel.

In 2004 summer, the children stayed with the child laborers at Seva Bharti Bridge School to have a firsthand experience of the various projects of Seva Bharti. They were spontaneous in their responses expressing their desire to rise up to help the Seva Bharti projects in their life. This innovative idea of the Seva Bharti activists made these kids more confident and understanding. To impress upon their tender minds the dignity of labor, the Seva Bharti activists arranged for these kids to stay at local carpenter and five different tradesmen to learn vocational trade. This proved to be a good and effective learning step for them.

Apart from an urge to learn vocational skills, these children have a natural flair for drawing and painting. Their collection ranges from a panoramic scene of a beautiful house amidst woods to the sketches of national leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

This Awasam for these little heroes has been in their service since September 28, 1996. Till now, five

An Affection home for the destitute children- Vivekananda Awasam


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children sponsored by the local business community are studying in intermediate college at Warangal, Bodhan and Nizamabad.

Two children of this Awasam secured highest score of 491 marks in 2004 Board Examinations. That was so far the highest score in the town and surrounding area. It is the strong resolve of the volunteers of Seva Bharti to train these children in every trait of creative art and vocational skills so as to make them stand on their own as responsible individuals and contributing citizens of this great society and country.

Vivekananda Awasam deserves all the praise in encouraging inmates to learn the vocational skills.

ContactSri Vivekananda AwasamBhainsa, Adilabad Dist(Andhra Pradesh, India)PIN 50 41 03Mobile: 94401 52454E-mail: [email protected]



Seva Bharti Baiga Balika Chhatravas situated at Devdara near Mandla (Madhya Pradesh) tells a challenging story. This hostel is exclusively set up for the Baiga janjati (tribal) girl students. The Baigas fall under the privileged tribal group (PTG) of Madhya Pradesh as they are far behind the fruits of modern developments and environment. They usually prefer to live away from the human society. Their concentration is in around 40 villages in Bajag Development Block. They produce and consume cereals like kodo, kutki, maize etc from their fields which they cultivate by way of shifting cultivation. The womenfolk work more than the men in their community.

But with sheer perseverance, grit and good communication skills the Seva Bharti people succeeded in pursuing the girls and their parents to continue their studies by staying in the hostel. “One girl student of our hostel is studying engineering college in Indore while five others are studying in polytechnic colleges. Some others have joined the teaching profession”, said Lal Bihari Singh, Seva Pramukh with natural pride in his eyes.

Baiga Balika Chhatravas, Devdara

As the Seva Bharti activists developed contacts with these people, they instilled an urge in them to learn. Initially, the girls used to run away from the hostel, some even traversed 80 km distance to reach home, or some used to flee to catch crabs on the banks of the Narmada.

The Seva Bharti people have earned the confidence of the parents of the students who feel that they are safe in the hostel, said Rajni Awadhiya, Superintendent of the hostel. Presently the hostel provided accommodation to 86 girl students studying in standards 4 to 12 in three different schools. They come from 54 villages of Mandla, Dindori and Seoni districts. The regular programs include sports and games, cultural programs, folk songs and dances. The girls represented in kabbaddi and kho-kho (Indian


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outdoor games) at the state level tournaments.

The hostel is looked after by Vij family of Canada. Jagadish, Dharmaveer and Anil Vij from Canada contributed generously for the hostel and they do visit the place whenever they come to India, said Lal Bihar Singh. The credit for associating this family with this hostel goes to late Shri Vishnu Kumar, Madhya Kshetra Sewa Bharti Pramukh, Singh added.

Vanvasi Kanya Chhatravas, BalaghatVanvasi Kanya Chhatravas at Balaghat is no different a story. Started on 3rd July 2003 in a rented house, the hostel soon shifted into its own building in 2005. At present there are 55 girls studying in class 6 to graduation. One girl is studying in polytechnic, another in engineering and some have taken admission in the D Ed College. Forty girls are studying in Saraswati Shishu Mandir while 10 are admitted in Vivek Jyoti Vidyalaya in various classes, informed Bharti Gautam, superintendent of the hostel. These girls have come from 30 villages of Balaghat and Seoni districts of Madhya Pradesh, she added.

The programs at the hostel include Guardians’ Meeting which evokes an encouraging response from the guardians of the girls. Special arrangements for coaching are also made to improve the academic standards of the students.

The hostels set up by Sewa Bharati is really a step forward in bringing social transformation in Baiga Janjati of the area.

ContactSewa Bharati Baiga Kanya Chhatravas DevdaraSahastra Dhara Road Near Deodara Mukti Dham, Dist: Mandla - 481661(Madhya Pradesh, India) 09425898483, [email protected]



Cultural pollution has become a great cause of concern for the entire world. The problem has been greatly rectified in India, which was once regarded as the cultural hub. People have started forgetting their glorious history and are developing apathy towards their own culture. As a result, our character has also become unstable.

Today, man has started losing values from his personal as well as social life. Because of this erosion of values, we are feeling gripped by depression, confusion and conflicts. No person or society or nation is safe now. Hence the demand for creating awareness about the revival of culture in the society is now gaining ground. In order to inculcate cultural values among children, Kerala’s Balgokulam has

put a step forward in this direction. Today, Balgokulam has become an indivisible part of Kerala’s cultural and social life.

Swami Vivekanand had said that education is the manifestation of the perfection already present in man. Following the path shown by Swami Vivekanand, teachers at Balgokulam are working day and night to induce our culture, values and traditions among students along with the modern education. Children can acquire all type of knowledge. After acquiring knowledge, these children test that knowledge on the anvil of their values and become capable to apply it in their day to day life. Such knowledge proves beneficial for them, their family and also for their bright future. This is the main ideology of Balgokulam.

Balgokulam: indivisible part of Kerala’s cultural and social life


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Balgokulam has a unique working method. Here, a teacher is called Rakshadhikari. He is the guardian of the students. The teacher and the students have a weekly gathering. In this 1.5-hour-long gathering, children sing bhajans, songs, recite Bhagavadgita and narrate inspirational and moral stories. They play various types of games. They have a discussion on various issues in Sanskrit and Malayalam. They present various cultural programmes and also perform Yogic exercises. This helps in inculcating cultural and spiritual values among children. They gain confidence by acquiring stage daring. Communication also increases and thus the bond of love gets tightened.

Apart from this weekly gathering, they also gather for celebrating various festivals. In this festival gathering, along with the Balgokulam members, others can also participate. This helps parents to view the overall progress of their children. The concept of “Matru devo bhava, pitru devo bhava, acharya devo bhava” is the backbone of Balgokulam and the members of Balgokulam work with full dedication to fulfill this objective.

Lord Shri Krishna is the ideal of Gokulam. Lord Krishna is worshipped as a symbol for love, trust, courage, honesty and as a source of inspiration for eradicating all type evil from the society. Hence

the classes begin with the traditional prayer of lord Krishna and end with the recitation of Shanti Mantra.

History of BalgokulamThe seeds of Balgokulam were sown through the moral stories that were published in a weekly magazine that was published from Kerala in 1950. The impact of those stories was so strong that in the beginning of 1970, many centers of Balgokulam started blooming in Kerala. Chief Editor of Kesari M A Krishnanji extended full co-operation in establishing Balgokulam centres. Renowned poet Kunjuni Master, Mali, N N Kakkad also gave a massive support.

In 1977, in Kozhikode, Balgokulam arranged shobhayatra for the first time on the occasion of Krishna Janmashtami. For the residents of Kozhikode, this was a marvellous experience. The shobhayatra that comprised of thousands of students and their parents, passed through all major parts of the city. Students were singing bhajans of lord Krishna while walking through the streets. Keeping in view the importance of this huge cultural event, State Government has now started declaring a complete holiday on the occasion of Janmashtami.

Balgokulam became a state-wide organization in 1980 and its first convention was organized in Guruvayoor. The convention was graced by the august presence of renowned poet and educationist



Akkitam. Next year, in 1981, the children of Balgokulam were registered under nation-wide children’s cultural movement.

Impact on Kerala’s social lifeSoon, the impact of Balgokulam started growing. Various names of lord Krishna are now visible on the houses and also in various organizations. Based on the life of lord Krishna, films, private albums were also produced. The image of lord Krishna also started reflecting in literature, art and the media. The sign of ‘Om’ which is a symbol of ‘Sanatan Dharma’ is now visible on almost all houses. Children now express gratitude towards their parents and teachers. They respect them. The significance of saffron flag has increased. The consumption of cow meat is also reduced. Bhagvadgita and its message is spreading widely. The

importance of Kerala’s Vishu festival started increasing. Now, Vishu greeting cards are also available in the market. Shrikrishna Jayanti Utsav has now become popular. Malayalam ‘panchang’ is now used in the houses. Balgokulam has really brought a a cultural revolution in Kerala.

This Cultural Revolution imbibes good samskars in the future citizens of our country, which is the necessity of the day.

Contact:BalagokulamMadhava SmruthiChithra Lane, AluvaKerala State, India. Pin : 683101E-Mail : [email protected] : +91 484 2622628, 2538880, 09947019080


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Munshiram Colony was like yet another slum among New Delhi’s countless neglected localities where people lived in a most pathetic and unhygienic conditions since decades. Their financial status was too poor to afford a better living for themselves. They faced innumerable difficulties and hardships in providing better education to their wards. The financial constraints forced them to work hard at the cost of their health!

Here Seva Bharati activists came to their rescue some two decades ago. Since then, there has been a lot of improvement in their overall life standard. Seva Bharati started a health care center and a school for the children of these hapless laborers.

Pramila Pophali, Chief of Chhatrasaal District Mahila Mandal says: “Over 300 students are studying in this school of Seva Bharati at present.

Besides, a Balwadi, Sanskar Kendra, Sewing center for women and coaching classes are also conducted as part of daily activity by the Seva Bharati activists”.

Students of Delhi University and Times Group support the free tuition classes for students of standard X. Drawing and craft material is provided as and when required by the teachers of schools like Srijan Public School.

A health care centre under the auspices of Dr Hedgewar Medical Foundation has been rendering yeoman services to the needy people of this colony. The health care center is well equipped with modern medical apparatus and equipments. Besides, training and counseling in yoga and physical exercises is also provided by the experts.

There is well equipped gym set up by the Seva Bharati for the youth of the locality. The gym has latest machines including walker, vibrator belt, massager, weight reduction equipment etc. Mangatram and his wife Anita Bai look after the gymnasium with special care.

Dr D G Agrawal and Dr Ajay Soni have specially earned the confidence and respect of the people due to their kind nature, excellent skills and

Basti Vikas Kendra developing slum in Delhi’s Munshiram Colony



expertise in treating the patients.

“I have lost 10 kgs and my diabetes is also under control, says Lokesh Gulati, who received a treatment at the center here.

A couple of health check up camps areprominently organized each month. Pathological tests for blood glucose, dental tests and eye examinations are conducted. People from far off places come to avail the treatment here. Social organizations like Marwari Yuva Manch, Hans Charitable Trust, Lions’ Club, Durga Hospital, Ahuja Eye Clinic and banks including Allahabad Bank and Punjab National Bank support the health care activities in the locality.

Many years ago Tulsidas, a senior karyakarta of Seva Bharati had dreamt of transforming the lives of these people. Now Seva Bharati translated his dream into a shining reality. Tulsidas’ daughter Kiran worked here for many years as supervisor. Other teachers like Rupa, Geeta, Hema, Pushpalala and Manjeet, these people developed interest in education and earned great appreciation for them.

The former students of Suresh Bal Kendra have now started a computer training institute in the locality heralding the new dawn for the people of this neglected locality. They have now realized the importance of cleanliness, hygiene, and regular study. It is said that the hands that help are holier than the

lips that pray. Seva Bharati has set up an example by its service activities in this locality by accomplishing the seemingly difficult task of transforming the lives of the people.

Sewa Bastis do have lot of problems, but Sewa Bharati is solving the problems, by planning suitable projects and executing one by one in an efficient way.

Contact 1. Basti Vikas KendraMunshiram ColonyNear Mukherjee NagarDelhi- 11 00 09Phone- 011-23345014, 237423342. Address: 13 Bhai Veersingh MargNear Gole Market New Delhi-110001www.sewabharti.org,[email protected]


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Though agriculture is the major occupation of India, due to increasing trend of urbanization, rural youths have developed an appallingly negative attitude towards it that is leading to the migration of efficient youth force towards urban areas. Bhagirath Gram Vikas Pratisthan was formed in the year 1987 with an idea to make rural India self-reliant.

Inspired by the ideology of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Dr. Prasad Deodhar, a leading medical practitioner serving in Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra decided to bring the ‘Ganga’ of development to this underdeveloped region.

Dr. Deodhar found an appallingly negative attitude among the villagers towards agriculture despite it being a high potential occupation. He decided to intervene

with the objective of making rural India self-reliant. And thus was born the Bhagirath Gram Vikas Pratishthan, meaning Bhagirath Rural Development Foundation. Dr. Deodhar says, ‘We have framed various plans to achieve the goal. Our theme is development through people's co-operation. Maximum utilisation of available resources, along with a proper scientific method of conservation helps to attain a systematic development.’ When it comes to rural development, ‘Bhagirath Gram Vikas Pratishthan’ has solutions for every need of the rural population comprising the young and adults.

AgricultureA farmer, who is responsible to feed others, is now starving himself and living a life full of hardships. India was once known for its agrarian

Bhagirath Gram Vikas Pratisthan



economics but the changing times have changed the mindset of all. The gap between haves and have-nots is going on increasing. Bhagirath Gram Vikas Pratisthan vowed to pull out the farmers from such pitiable condition.

Organic farmingThe pratishthan has convinced farmers to opt for organic farming and avoid usage of chemical fertilizers. It has made farmers realize the deep ecological harm that happens through usage of chemicals.

Sheti Shala (training at farm)

Sheti Shala is a unique concept of training farmers on the field. It aims at imparting information regarding the emerging avenues in agriculture and creating a skilled manpower for tomorrow. Several issues are taken up that are explained by a qualified person.

Non conventional energy

Till date, more than 350 bio-gas units have been set up in 10 villages. These units are of fixed dome type and structured by the ferro-cement model. Apart from being a very low cost unit, the waste generated through this unit in the form of slurry is used for making vermi compost. A team of 12 rural youths have become expert in setting up a bio-gas unit. The organization has set a target of setting up 1000 bio-gas units by 2015 in Sindhudurg

district. Three solar systems have also been set up in different villages.

Changing cropping patternStep 1-Calculating the commercial part of existing crop and comparing with a new.

Step 2-Experimenting the new crop in a demonstrative way, maintaining the documentation.

Step 3- Field visit for first hand information.

Step 4- Training farmers on certain technological implementation.

Step 5- Execution by farmers in their fields, with the monitoring and support by the pratishthan.

Bhagirath Gram Vikas Pratisthan has ventured new cropping pattern with sunflower, turmeric, ginger and other high returning crops resulting in greater returns from available resources.

Poultry farmNormally, a poultry farm requires large space and a big set up. The pratishthan team tried, tested and came up with a unique solution of setting up poultry shade in the backyard of own house, rearing the local breed of hens that would require less investment and get easy market. Systematic training is provided to the individuals along with support. A proper design has been framed to maintain hygiene in the surroundings. One unit can


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produce approximate one lakh per annum and till date, more than 50 such units have been set up.

Goat rearingGoat rearing is another beneficial business for a rural family, which requires no extra cost but a good return. A unit of goat rearing can fetch approximately Rs 75,000 per annum. Bhagirath Gram has set up 50 units in three villages.

Dairy farmingRearing the cattle of best breed adaptable to the climate gives ample milk. A complete channel has been set up, where in milk is collected and transported ahead. Co-operative dairy farming presently has a turnover of Rs 10 lakh per annum. Many individuals are benefited from this and getting extra earnings.

EducationEducation being one of the thrust areas of the organization, providing quality education to rural children and adding values to their aspiration was on prime agenda. The pratishthan has decided to strengthen the educational facility available through governmental machinery. Music training is provided at three schools in the villages, where children get exposed to the world of music.

Sports Rural children have a strong immune system as well as physique, which if nurtured will result into good

sportspersons. Keeping this in mind, volleyball coaching is given to school children. During vacations, a bicycle training camp is also organized.

Women empowermentOverall development cannot be achieved without women's co-operation; 30 self help groups of women have been formed and are functioning smoothly, contributing in rural affluence. Apart from self help groups, women are also facilitated by micro credits and vocational training such as tailoring, cattle rearing.

HealthHealthy family will formulate a healthy village. Health should always be on the priority list for any organization working in urban areas. The pratishthan has maintained uniqueness in every activity. Regular de-worming vaccines are given to people under medical supervision. Rural women are much prone to anaemia. Regular haemoglobin test is done for women. Also, medical surveys are conducted at regular intervals.

Work methodOnce a village is identified, a village level committee is formed which has representatives from that village and Bhagirath Gram Vikas Pratisthan. Initial baseline survey is done in which a complete list of available resources is prepared. The organization follows a clear methodology of equal participation



in terms of financial part. 50% of the required fund is contributed by the organization and rest 50% is pooled by the villagers. The fund is deposited in the bank account opened in the name of the village. This fund is then used for various developmental initiatives as decided.

As per the organization's policy, the pratishthan works in a village only for three years, after which the committee and the bank account is solely managed by the village people only. In successive year, the pratishthan acts as an advisory body to maintain the progress.

This model of working of “Bhagirath” is worth emulating by the voluntary

organizations throughout India to successfully implement rural development projects in a faster way.

ContactBhagirath Gram Vikas Pratishthan Post - Zarap, Taluka - KudalDistrict - Sindhudurg Pin - 416520Maharashtra, IndiaContact person : Dr Prasad DeodharMobile no :+91 9422596500, 02362- 232259E-mail: [email protected]


April 2015 | 29

Chenchu tribals of Andhra Pradesh, who were deprived of basic facilities such as education, health, etc have now become self-reliant through the dedicated efforts of Sewa Bharati’s Bhakta Kannappa Gurukulam. Along with the regular school curriculum, self-employment training is also provided to them to overcome the financial hurdles in the way of all-round development.

Bhakta Kannappa Gurukulam (BKG) was established at Sri Sailam in 1999, enrolling 20 boys from 8 Chenchu gudems. BKG is a hostel attached to primary school exclusively for Chenchu boys of Kurnool district. In the initial years of establishment, kitchen, dinning and accommodation for boys, staff and office was somehow managed in two asbestos roof sheds. At the

end of the academic year 2001-02, one philanthropist donor Sri G Pulla Reddy, donated 3 acres of land for constructing the building costing about 18 lakh at Gokavaram Village. Gurukulam was then shifted to its new premises at Gokavaram in the year 2002.

In the academic year 2001-02, P Sivirama Krishna stood 7th in district-level common exams. In the sports meet of Saraswathi Shishu Mandhir group of schools, BKG Chenchu boys emerged victorious. Thus the success journey began.

All aspects of education viz. boarding, lodging, training, clothing, all other amenities including travelling expenditure are provided free of cost. Keeping in view the practical, peculiar, psychological problems, early marriages, children

Bhakta Kannappa Gurukulam for 'Chenchu' tribals



are preferably inducted at the age of four so that they get adjusted to the environment and sanskars of gurukulam, thereby avoiding some of the teenage problems.

Carpentry, electric work, long term courses and short term activities like book binding; motor rewinding, archery (Chenchu’s traditional game) are introduced from class 4 onwards. More courses are also in the offing.

Chenchus mostly are illiterates. They depend on forest for their survival. They live aloof from the contemporary society. Their collection and sale of minor forest produce is not giving them a square meal, and they cannot meet even the minimum comforts and the small travel expenses. Their earning capacity needs to be increased. As an alternative, vocational courses are introduced in the gurukulam. At present, boys in class 5, 6 and 7 are in a position to manufacture wooden furniture and do house wiring, rewinding of small motors which can provide better earnings.

It is a regular phenomenon for Chenchus to go into the forest along with children, lay a temporary hut, stay there for about a fortnight and return with forest produce. In doing so, they deliberately neglect the education part of their children. Also, parents are compelled to take children to the forest, as there is no one at the gudem hut to take care of their children. Further, in view

of early marriages, children get separated from their parents at an age of about 15 years, to lead an independent life.

Mobile dispensary: Chenchus do not volunteer by themselves to go to Primary Health Centres (PHC) for treatment unless circumstances compel them, till then they prefer to suffer silently and follow some native remedies or avoid totally leaving it to fate. Seva Bharati has been running a mobile dispensary in Nallamalla forest for past nine years. Mobile dispensary visits each gudem at least three times a month.

Gurukulam is successful in bringing Chenchu tribal children into the national main stream.

Contact:Bhakta Kannappa GurukulamGokavaram (Village)Kothapalli Mandal, Kurnool districtAndhra Pradesh, 518422 (India)Phone No:- 08517-200563/08518-325363, 9441113985E-mail : [email protected] to reach - 54 Km from Kurnool


April 2015 | 31

Karkala is a famous Jain pilgrimage centre in Udupi district of Karnataka. The 42-feet statue of Gomateshwara (Lord Bahubali) is located here. The peculiarity of this statue is that it is carved out of single stone and is the second tallest statue in Karnataka. This statue of Bahubali was consecrated here on February 13, 1432 on the instructions of the pontiff of Karkala, Lalitakeerti. There are also 18 Jain Basadis (temples) which add to its religious importance.

In this town of religious importance some socially committed and dedicated women social activists took the responsibility to start a school for differently abled children in order to make them self-reliant and confident. To help them in this noble venture local Shri Venkatramana Temple Trust came forward and granted permission to them to start this school in their own school premises. And on June

1, 2004, the Chethana Special School was formally started. Shri Venkatramana Temple Trust offered generous help by providing building and other necessary facilities to the school. Later in 2006, a new trust in the name of Bharati Seva Mandli was formed and the school was affiliated to this trust.

With the devotion, dedication and commitment of the women social workers this school earned fame in a very short time and the Government of Karnataka honored this school with a cash award of Rs 25,000 on November 3, 2010 and also recognized it as the best school in Karnataka.

The school trust, as a policy, does not deprive any student from seeking admission for the want of money. No donations are sought from the parents by the school. Therefore, Bharati Seva Mandli Trust has taken steps to make this school financially self-sufficient. The trust believes that its mission was to make the student and become proud and positive contributors to the society.

The school has been organizing various programs aimed at all-round development of the students; some special programs are also organized on some special occasions.

Speech Therapy workshop is

Chethana Special School, Karkala for Special Children



organized by the Manipal Speech and Hearing Foundation. Dr Alwa’s Education Foundation, Mudubidri offers physiotherapy treatment facility for students. Canara Bank of Karkala donated uniforms for the students who participate in sports and other programs. The students participated in various programs organized on World Disable Day; State-level Olympics for special children, Vamanjur Kalotsava etc. and also in programs organized by the Rotary Club and won gold medals at district, state and national level competitions.

Venkatramana Temple Trust. Continuous public donations by philanthropic persons help the school run and manage its affairs without any difficulty.

There are aberrations in birth due to various reasons but is it not our duty to look after our mentally challenged tots and to improve their health and mental status at least to take care of themselves?

The school seeks services of expert and trained teachers to teach yoga, and vocational training. Instruments like wheel chairs, crutches, hearing aids etc. are distributed to the children and counseling sessions are organized for the parents of these children so that they can help their wards in providing a sound mental health and peace of mind.

At present 50 students of different levels are studying in this school. They are provided lunch by Shri

ContactChethana Special SchoolSTV School RoadKARKALA- 57 41 04Distt. – Udupi(Karnataka, Bharat)Phone – 08258-233166, 09964907492, 09448983616Email- [email protected]: www.chethanaspecialschool.info/org


April 2015 | 33

As a social duty, rendering a helping hand to women and handicapped children, is the need of the hour. Chetna Association in Himachal Pradesh’s Bilaspur district initiated the efforts in this direction before 13 years and now it has become a ray of hope for such children and women who want to lead a life filled with self-respect.

Dr Mallika Nadda is the founder secretary of this institution that was established in 1998. Providing treatment to the handicapped so as to make them self reliant; eradication of evil practices that are prevalent in the society regarding women such as dowry harassment, female foeticide, etc; effective participation in the movement of women empowerment were some of the key objectives in front of the institution at the time.

For handicapped childrenFor handicapped children, Chetna

has opened three special schools. Here, along with the education, efforts are also made for their rehabilitation. With a view that these children should get a chance to lead a completely normal life, opportunities are given so as to prove their mettle in the field of sports, arts, etc. The efforts are indeed yielding fruitful results. A number of mentally retarded children, who earlier never used to respond to any of the normal activities, are now showing a remarkable progress regarding studies and sports. Some of them are even participating in the production activities so as to serve as an asset for their families.

SportsIn the field of sports also, these differently-abled children have shown their spark. Pawan Kumar was selected for Athens World Handball Tourney for Handicapped, 2011 and Sushil Kumar has been selected for athletics. In 2003, Geetadevi brought laurels in Ireland summer games; Vikram Kumar bagged gold medal in volleyball tourney held in Shanghai in the year 2007 whereas Rajendra Kumar won bronze medal in the Snow Boarding Winter Games held at USA in the year 2009. Apart from this, the children have also emerged victorious in a number of tournaments held at national and state level.

Chetna Association, Bilaspur (Himachal Pradesh)



Welfare of womenChetna also runs various types of projects for the welfare of women. Women empowerment is the issue that is dealt on priority under this programme. Women self-help groups have been established in many villages. Through these self-help groups, financial assistance is provided to the women for initiating cottage industries. Camps are organized for training women in the activities such as production of sepo badiya, making articles from pine leaves, etc so as to make them earn their own bread. Along with this, programmes are also organized for imparting education, creating awareness about eradication of dowry, female foeticide, etc.

Environment protectionChetna’s sphere of work is not just limited to these activities but it is also involved in the campaigns such as sapling plantation, environment protection, drinking water conservation, etc.

Community Based Rehabilitation Prog ramCBR is to help in increasing the capacity of the Differently Abled sensitizing the community to their special needs abilities and holistically integrating them in to mainstream, in an increasing inclusive society

Composite camps are organized to provide medical rehabilitation aids & appliances, such as calipers, splint, wheel chair and hearing aid, through camps with the help of CRC Sundernagar & Welfare Department.

Sarav Shiksha Abhiyan (Home Based Services)Providing Home Based Services to 40 Children with Special Need (CWSN)

They are making the children self reliant with the help of special educators. They are also providing physiotherapy, health insurance and guardianship through National Trust Schemes.

ContactDr Mallika NaddaFounder secretary, Chetna Association63, Roura Sector-II, Bilaspur, District Bilaspur (Himachal Pradesh)174001, IndiaEmail:[email protected],[email protected]: +91 94180 00055Phone/ 01978 221524


April 2015 | 35

In order to link Pardhi tribal community with the mainstream of development, a Voluntary Organization called Deendayal Bahuddeshiya Prasarak Mandal was established in 1997. The organization works in Maharashtra state’s Wardha and Yavatmal districts in Vidarbha region. A variety of projects have been initiated by the organization for providing educational facilities to the children from this community.

Even today, Pardhi community is living with a blot of ‘criminal community’ on their forehead. They are still facing humiliation in the society. They basically belong to Rajasthan and reside mostly in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh. This community has a glorious history filled with bravery and courage. Hunting and military work were their main occupations. They used to work as bodyguards for kings.

In the 1857 War of Independence, Pardhis played an active role in fighting against British. At that time, British realized that their kingdom has a threat from these people who were not ready to accept their supremacy. They put a tag of criminal community on these people, threw them in separate camps outside the villages and isolated them from the society. They were also kept under a constant watch. As a result, even after Independence, the blot of ‘criminal community’ on their forehead cannot be washed out and even now, they are living a neglected life. Even at many places, these people don’t get the ration card or any other important national identity proof!

Deendayal Bahuddeshiya Prasarak Mandal came to the rescue and put a step forward in the upliftment of this community. Following projects have been initiated for their development:

1)Aarogya Rakshak: Under Keshav Aarogya Rakshak Yojana, youths are given primary health training. A first aid kit is given to them along with some medicines. Each Aarogya Rakshak bears the responsibility of one village.

2)Aarogya Shivir: Health camps are also conducted for women in the slums. Information is provided regarding primary health care.

Deendayal Pardhi Vikas Prakalp



3)Hostel: In Yavatmal, ‘Vivekanand Chhatrawas’ and in Wardha district’s Arvi town, ‘Disha Pardhi Vikas Prakalp’ are being run. In the hostel premises, computer education is also provided. The curriculum has been specially designed for these youths, to suit their needs.

4)Technical training centre: Training is provided in various areas such as electrician, motor winding, welding, two-wheeler repairing, etc.

5)Self-help groups: The karyakartas of Deendayal Bahuddeshiya Prasarak Mandal have established 25 self-help groups at 22 places. The members of these self-help groups are now exploring the employment opportunities in the areas such as poultry, agriculture, etc.

6)Pardhi Vikas Parishad: The parishad has been established to provide a platform for discussing various development issues of Pardhis and in order to increase the communication in the community.

In entire India, the festival of Diwali is celebrated with fervour by distributing sweets, bursting crackers and purchasing new clothes. However, Pardhi community stays far away from this celebration. In order to include this community in these celebrations, Deendayal Bahuddeshiya Prasarak Mandal karyakartas are organizing ‘Diwali Milan’ programme since last 10 years. In this programme, families from Yavatmal city celebrate the

festival along with the Pardhi community. On the pious occasion of Bhai Dooj, women are provided with an idol of Goddess Laxmi along with new clothes and sweets.

Pardhis are also our bretheren in the society and not criminals, and Deendayal Pardhi Vikas Prakalp has shown a way in educating, rehabilitating them to bring them into the mainstream of the society.

Contact:1)Vivekananda ChhatravasRamkrishna Nagari, MulkiYavatmal, (Maharashtra, India)4450001Email: [email protected] 9422169629www.deendayalyavatmal.org


April 2015 | 37

Deendayal Bahuddeshiya Prasarak Mandal has come to the rescue of the families of the farmers who committed suicide and put a step forward in order to work for their welfare. It has certainly elevated the position of the farmers who were deprived of the necessary facilities such as education, irrigation and fertilizers through its Shetkari Vikas Prakalp.

Once upon a time, farming used to be the best occupation. At that time, people used to say,” Farming best, business good and job poor.” However after industrial revolution, economic equations began to change and before the beginning of last century, the situation changed to “Job best, business good and farming poor.” In the economic system, industries occupied the central place. The influence of industrialists started increasing in politics and the society. The number of organizations of the

employees working in industries increased. These organizations greatly protected their economic rights. However, in this entire economic process, the unorganized agriculture sector was ignored. Farming occupation became outdated because of the lack of desired changes in the changing economic policies.

The downfall of farming sector gave birth to a new social problem; farmers’ suicide. In 90s, farmers in Andhra Pradesh committed suicides in large number because of famine. In Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region, the entire farming activity depends upon rain water. Famine situation is not new but occurs frequently in every two or three years. But the suicide by Andhra Pradesh farmers in large numbers demoralized the farmers in Vidarbha and here also, the chain of suicides started growing. Within 2-3 years, Yavatmal district reached the peak in farmers’ suicide. Thousands of farmers in this district chose the path of suicide. Whenever a family chief used to commit suicide, the problem aggravates further, for the family.

In 1997, Deendayal Bahuddeshiya Prasarak Mandal framed a policy for helping the families of the farmers who committed suicide and also for farming and related industries. Under its Shetkari Vikas Prakalp (Farmers’ Development Project),

Deendayal Shetkari Vikas Prakalp for farmers’ cause



following steps have been initiated:

1)Educational assistance: The educational assistance is provided to the children in the families of the farmers who have committed suicide.

2)Distribution of seeds: The seeds are distributed among farmers before monsoon for sowing in one acre land.

Dooj, karyakartas visit the houses of the farmers who have committed suicide and give an idol of Goddess Laxmi, new saree and sweets to their widows.

6)Water availability: Under this water availability project, in Pathri village of Pandharkawda tehsil, building of small dams of mud and cleaning work of lakes have been undertaken. Villagers have assured of providing full assistance in this noble work.

7)Deendayal Puraskar: Every year, people who work selflessly are awarded with Deendayal Seva Puraskar. The award is given on September 25, on the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay. the great visionary of Indian society.

Mere empathy to farmer’s family is not sufficient; Deendayal Shetkari Vikas Prakalp has shown the way in not only giving moral courage but also by way of support to them, to be self reliant.

3)Training in organic farming: The quality of soil gets spoiled because of the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. To get rid of this problem, training programmes are organized for farmers regarding organic farming.

4)Training for self-help groups: Over 43 self-help groups have been constituted for providing self-employment resources to the farmers. Training is also provided in the areas such as cottage industry, thresher, flour mill, etc.

5)Deepawali Mahotsav: During Deepawali, on the occasion of Bhai

Contact:Shri Pradeep Wadnerkar (President)Deendayal Bahuddeshiya Prasarak Mandal11, Vaideep, Satyanarayan layoutPushpakunj Society, Yavatmal. , 4450001Maharashtra, IndiaEmail: [email protected] no: +91 9422169629www.deendayalyavatmal.orgEmail:[email protected]


April 2015 | 39

Strange geographical, political and social conditions have scattered the entire life in J&K region. Terrorism is also a prime cause of concern. Lack of resources and infrastructure added to the hurdles in the path of this region’s development. Illiteracy is on peak due to the absence of sufficient schools and colleges. This gives rise to the number of dropouts. Students have to migrate to other states for availing higher education. Keeping in view all these anomalies in the field of education, Sewa Bharati J&K has initiated a unique project Disha Chhatrawas so as to provide a firm platform to the educational aspirants in state.

Belji Vishram Popat-Disha Chhatrawas is situated in the mountainous region of J&K in the lap of mother nature near Maa Vaishnodevi shrine, katra. In this hostel, arrangement has been made for education, food and residence of the economically backward and underprivileged children belonging to the terror-hit regions of J&K.

Sanskars are also inculcated among these children so as to groom them for becoming the better citizens of future India.

Disha Chhatrawas, Katra (Jammu)

Kadamal village is situated at a distance of just 2 km from Katra. Having Maa Viashnodevi’s shrine on one side and a beautiful road surrounded by lush-green cover on the other, the hostel building is situated on a huge 5.5 acre land blessed with scenic beauty. The hostel is currently housing 38 children belonging to different age groups who have come from various parts of J&K. The hostel building consists of 5 rooms, one guest room, bathrooms, toilets, kitchen



and a huge dining room. Apart from the dining hours, this huge hall is utilized for reading activity. A few additional rooms have also been recently constructed on the first floor that consists of warden’s room, computer room, workshop rooms, bathrooms and guest rooms.

Rainwater is harvested and utilized here. The water used for bathroom is processed and utilized to nurture the saplings planted in the hostel’s garden. A gaushala is also run in the premises. Milk that is obtained from cows is regularly given to the students so as to ensure their nutrition.

Self-reliance is the nuclear part of the hostel’s life. Students collectively participate in the activities such as cleaning the hostel premises, gaushala and garden, extracting milk from cows, etc. This inculcates a community feeling among students. The day here begins with mass prayer and after the evening prayer, students get back to their studies and other private work .All the festivals are celebrated in a traditional and collective manner. This also creates cultural awareness among students.

Students staying here are admitted to government schools. Compared to private ones, government schools have a better and trained teaching staff. Students derive the benefit of this added feature. A complete attention is paid towards the studies and educational progress

of students. In addition to studies, training is also given in art and craft. Some village children also join them in this training programme. Students are trained in various disciplines such as computers, music, painting, drama, elocution, sports, etc as per the matter of their interest. They are also encouraged to participate in different competitions and bring laurels for the chhatrawas. Medical check-up is conducted at regular intervals. Parents are allowed to meet the students on specific days and for specific time only. Economic assistance for kind-hearted donors boosts the enthusiasm of karyakartas to expand the sphere of Disha’s work.

The whole atmosphere in the hostel which is in the vicinity of Ma Vashnodevi temple is reverberating with positive vibrations.

Contact: Smt Anasuya KhosaDisha ChhatrawasC/o-Sewa Bharati Jammu-Kashmir officeVed Mandir premises, Ambphala, Jammu-18 00 01J&K, IndiaPhone no : 09419224298, 09419758339, 09419112841Email : [email protected]@gmail.com


April 2015 | 41

It is a matter of grave concern that even in this 21st century there are many misconceptions in the society about leprosy patients. There is a feeling of hatred in the society for these people. Even, their children are not ready to keep such parents at home and don’t feel shy to throw them out of the house. These patients can be seen begging on roads. Thousands of such patients daily come to Hardwar. In India it is believed that if you die on the bank of river Ganga, all your sins get washed away and ‘mukti’ is attained. With this hope, these people wait for death on the bank of Ganges.

Around 1986, Ashish Gautam, a former pracharak of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), who visited Hardwar for a holy dip, saw thousands of lepers on the streets of Hardwar. Their plight dejected him. He decided to dedicate his whole life for these people.

There are many wounds on the

body of a leprosy patient and proper dressing is very necessary. Since these patients can't nurse their terrible wounds for themselves, they have no other way but to bear the excruciating pain. Even the doctors are not ready to visit them. These patients also didn’t get medicines from the government hospitals.

So, first of all, Ashish Gautam made the arrangement of bandage and started visiting the slums for dressing the wounds of these leprosy patients. He also started giving them medicines. Because of this noble work, people slowly started associating with him. Some doctors also joined him. Some patients took training regarding primary treatment. Thus, the foundation of Divya Prem Seva Mission was laid, which opened new doors of self dependency for the leper patents and is working since last 16 years.

The mission’s work gathered speed soon and Ashish had to open a dispensary. This dispensary with the active co-operation of people grew into a small hospital. The hospital also has the facility to send a serious leprosy patient to any big hospital. Because of regular treatment, the patients visiting the hospital started increasing.

The condition of lady patients was even worst. No one accompanied them. Even husband used to leave

Divya Prem Seva Mission healing lepers’ wounds



them. There was an express need to do something for them. Not only the treatment, but also to make them self-reliant. The mission accepted this challenge. It had started self-help groups for such women and also opened schools for their kids. The mission’s work is growing daily by leaps and bounds.

Ashish Gautam says,” Bringing out social change is not the responsibility of government alone. We are also a part of the society. We must come forward for this change. We started an attempt and the efforts are yielding fruits from last 16 years. The mission doesn’t get a bit from the government, but runs totally on the basis of hard work of the karyakartas and money donated by the common man. Leprosy is not a contagious disease. It is totally curable. Though it said that hate disease, not the patient, it is not observed in the conduct. If the society changes its attitude towards these patients and gives them a helping hand, this problem can definitely be resolved. This is the goal of my life and the mission will go on till this goal is achieved.”

Divya Prem Sewa Mission has shown to the world that they not only take care of the leprosy affected patients, but also make them self reliant.

ContactDivya Prem Seva MissionSeva Kunj, Chandi GhatHardwar 24 94 08(Uttarakhand, India)Phone number-01334-222211E-mail: [email protected][email protected], www.divyaprem.org


April 2015 | 43

Education and employment are the necessary tools to construct a firm structure of any nation. If any nation lags behind in either of the two ways, then its growth will be stagnated. Education without employment will create an army of unemployed youths who will get indulged in criminal activities whereas employment without education will create labourers in abundant quantities who will be exploited by the capitalists. Dr Ambedkar Vanavasi Kalyan Trust has therefore struck a proper balance by blending education with self-employment which is the need of the hour in the backward tribal belt of Gujarat.

In the heart of Surat city in Gujarat, covering an area of 5000 sq m, two beautiful buildings have been built that provide facilities for various activities for all round development and welfare of Schedule Caste, Schedule Tribe & economical backward people.

Education: Hostel facility has been provided to the students of Schedule Caste and Schedule Tribe attending various degree or diploma courses at the university level.

The hostel has an in-house kitchen and a dining hall to fulfill the necessary food requirement of the students.

In today’s age, the knowledge of computers is a must. Computer literacy plays a vital role in this internet age. Therefore, a computer training centre has established to make available computer education facility to the deprived children of slum areas. They are given training in MS office, internet surfing, DTP, etc. A well equipped library quenches their thirst of knowledge where a wide collection of reference books as well as subject books have been made available. Biographies of world famous personalities are also kept in the library.

In order to develop a scientific approach among students right from the primary level, a Gyan Vigyan Centre has been opened. Conducting scientific experiment personally leads to deep interest in science which may help the budding scientist in the child.

The trust has also completed the work of building a hostel with all

Dr Ambedkar Vanavasi Kalyan: education, self-employment and health care



necessary facilities, with a capacity of housing 100 students on a plot of 15000 sq m at Ahwa in Dang. Dang district is totally occupied by the forest dwelling tribes of Gujarat and the hostel is part of a project that aims at the all round development of forest dwelling brethren living in the jungles of Dang.

Under the guidance of experts in agricultural field, farmers of south Gujarat have been trained in a specially evolved method of farming (rice cultivation with 4 step method) which has twice or thrice production as compared to the traditional method.

Self employment: The trust is offering many short term courses. These courses have helped students in generating self employment thereby improving their socio-economic conditions. Self-help groups have been started for women members who have attended various self employment training programmes of the trust and have become financially self sufficient.

A special care has been taken to keep the young generation specially from the lower economic class in touch with the trust, through library and reading room facility. A group of fifteen sisters have been constituted who extend their help in organizing programmes for health, educational awareness, etc. Some of the teachers giving training in various self employment training programmes have themselves taken

their training from the centres of the trust and are now providing their services in the respective fields.

Health CareHealth is still a prime cause of concern in the tribal belts of the country that are deprived of basic facilities such as sanitation, hygiene, availability of drinking water, etc. This gives birth to a number of epidemics; some of which can even prove fatal due to unavailability of proper medical treatment and that too at proper time. Moved by the plight of tribal brethren in the remote regions of Gujarat, Dr Ambedkar Vanavasi Kalyan Trust initiated the noble work of providing healthcare in the region so as to lead them a healthy life that will be dedicated towards the nation.

With the help of seva karyakartas of Surat city, 1000 families from the surrounding 10 sevavastis (slum areas) have been selected and health awareness programmes are being conducted for them. Education regarding primary health & hygiene is provided to them. Besides, effort


April 2015 | 45

is being made to join them with the mainstream of social development and bring them together on a platform through occasions such as Dr Ambedkar Jayanti, Raksha bandhan, Bharatmata poojan, etc. Various festivals are celebrated with religious fervor and the karyakartas make them realize the importance and principle behind celebrating each and every festival.

Brethren residing in slums cannot afford to avail costlier medical treatment in cities. They even don’t have money for transportation to cities. The cost of medical treatment is also spiraling day by day with the rising inflation. Therefore in order to render medical help at their doorsteps, a medical mobile unit with a doctor, helper and at least one volunteer, visits these sevavastis to provide medical facilities to the people of the area and keep in touch with these 1000 families and also works to promote social & national awareness filled with the spirit of patriotism. The unit also provides equipment useful to the bed-ridden and orthopedically challenged people, free of cost. Patients & families availing these facilities are visited and a sincere effort is made to share their pains & sorrows. The mobile clinic & a permanent clinic near sevavasti has been proved successful in establishing and increasing the relations with many families and in creating health awareness among them.

Allopathic treatment is the most costlier treatment that is beyond the reach of these economically backward people. Moreover, the allopathic medicines have a lot of side effects. Therefore, the trust decided to give Ayurvedic treatment to these people that is the oldest treatment practiced in India. In order to revive this treatment, the trust has established Kamdhenu (Panchgavya) Medicines Dispensing Center where Ayurvedic treatment is given for various diseases such as vitiligo, eczema, asthma, joint pain, psoriasis, etc. Medicines manufactured from cow dung and cow urine have been greatly proved beneficial in curing various ailments that still don’t have any permanent solution in Allopathy.

Our brethren from tribal belt in Gujrat are taken care by Dr. Ambedkar Vanavasi Kalyan Trust, whether it is in education, self employment, health care etc which is real sevakarya amongst the vanvasis.

Contact:Dr Ambedkar Vanvasi Kalyan Trust Eklavya Bhavan/ Valmiki BhavanNext to Chokshiwadi, Opp. Radhakrishna Temple,Near Rushabh tower, Rander Road, Surat -395009Contact Person: Bhupendra Patel Phone: + 91 - 261 -2781399 /382E-mail: [email protected]



Tribal boys that were once deprived of educational facilities, have now got a dual facility of education along with shelter due to the efforts of Seva Bharathi. Under a single roof of Ekalavya Ashramam, these underprivileged children have got a great mental relief that is a must in the educational phase of one’s life. The problem of accommodation that is always a big challenge before any tribal student has been overcome successfully by Ekalavya Ashramam in Adilabad district of Andhra Pradesh.

On the banks of the holy river Godavari, overlooking the Hanuman Temple is the Ekalavya Ashramam, Seva Bharathi home for tribal boys. Needy children from poor families having a spark on their faces are selected for admission. Situated in the outskirts of Mancheryal town, the tribal home is located in a serene environment.

The ashramam has a capacity to accommodate 100 tribal boys selected from in and around the district. Children are given education, food and sanskars, amenities that are congenial for a smooth basic educational pursuit. They are counseled and equipped for a better tomorrow.

This affection home has children from Nayakapur, Manne, Gond, Khollham, Pradhan and Lambada. These children have bubbling talent, which needs to be nurtured and encouraged. These boys have made their mark in studies at school and also out of the school in the co-curricular activities. They have scored prizes in elocution and in All India junior essay writing competitions. Jambi Kistaiah has excelled in athletics, he has stood first in 400 m running and K Ramesh has scored first in long jump at South India level meet conducted by Vidya Bharathi. The children have a special taste for yoga and kabaddi, in which they have brought laurels in several competitions. Annual summer training camp is held to sharpen their curricular and co-curricular skills.

Praveen of Ekalavya Ashram has scored 531 of 600, highest marks at mandal level in the academic year 2002-03 in SSC Board examination. The other boys are on their way to prove themselves. There are three

Ekalavya Ashramam, Mancheryal


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physically disabled boys, but with a strong self confidence, these boys are ready to take on any challenge on par with their co students. Nobody in fact thinks or treats them as handicapped, and that is what their strength. With 42 children who have passed out so far as in summer 2004, they are leading a self-reliant and respectable life. One of the children from the ashram is now into the public service as a tribal leader representing the interests of local tribals at district level and one of the boys is now undergoing his engineering education.

Ekalavya Ashramam has shown that not only the educational standards of underprivileged children can be raised by giving good education, but these children can be good in sports if proper training is given.

ContactEkalavya AshramamGodavari Road, Mancheryal, Adilabad Dist -50420808736-250842,Email- [email protected]@gmail.com



Samagra Shishu Shiksha Prakalp Efforts are being initiated to transform today’s education system that completely ignores children’s natural talent and capacity. The idea that children should have the privilege of studying according to their choice has now started gaining grounds. Efforts are also in full swing that children should acquire education in a friendly and tension free atmosphere without the burden of competition. Among the organizations that are striving hard for the effective implementation of this concept of education, Hindu Seva Pratishthan in Karnataka’s Bangalore city acquires a lead position. The pratishthan’s Samagra Shishu Shiksha Prakalp has proved that the physical and mental development of a child can be achieved by paying individual

attention towards each and every student.

To impart education to children in a distinct manner, Hindu Seva Pratishthan has made various successful experiments since 1972. For this, Hindu Seva Pratishthan gives training to teachers of Shishu Mandirs and middle-aged women who are interested to work for the sake of this noble cause.

Hindu Seva Pratishthan aims to give a new dimension to education. Education through mother tongue, freedom of choosing the subject of choice, freedom from punishment, no compulsion regarding uniform, freedom from the conventional education system, no compulsion to study till the age of five, freedom from homework, education in a serene atmosphere according to

Hindu Seva Pratishthan- Samagra Shishu Shiksha & Seva Kiran Projects


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child psychology and a perfect blend of modern and traditional education system are some of the unique features of this integrated system of education. Effective development of children’s five sense organs, linguistic and conversational development, personality development through boosting of self-confidence and inculcation of sanskars are some of the aims of the project.

In this method, a special effort is made to elevate the physical and mental level of a student taking into account his capacity, limitation and need. An effort to give a creative and positive environment to the students is also made by the teachers in this training. Various types of sanskars are imbibed on students for creating awareness regarding morality and social values in addition to the linguistic and mathematical development. A special attention is paid towards physically and mentally weak students. Motivating such students for overcoming their shortcomings also forms an important part of the training programme.

Adopting this method, Hindu Seva Pratishthan chose 13 Shishu Mandirs in Karnataka’s eight districts for experimentation in the year 1993. Inspired by this system of education, people from four villages made available land and well equipped playground for the school. Influenced by this, people from other villages also gave a

similar response and thus the pratishthan got the infrastructure. The impact was so wide that till 2001, 275 teachers from 24 districts in Karnataka got this special training from Hindu Seva Pratishthan.

Teachers and experts from various subjects who impart training in this programme have a regular discussion regarding various experiences and problems for obtaining a feasible solution. This also gives birth to new ideas for effective implementation. An annual programme of these Shishu Mandirs is also organized in which newly married couples of the village are invited. They are made acquainted with the work of Shishu Mandir.

Hindu Seva Pratishthan also publishes a quarterly magazine called Araluva Mogu (Khilti Kaliyan) that has gained a wide popularity among parents and teachers. Similarly, cassettes and CDs of poems composed by teachers and sung by singer B R Chhaya have also been produced that have become a part of Shishu Mandir’s curriculum. Activities such as sports, music, acting, discussion, picnic, craft, etc add to the all round development of the students. All the festivals are celebrated with religious fervour with the active participation of teachers, students and parents.

Seva Kiran ProjectEvery kid is unique in itself. The physical and mental capacity of



every kid is different from the other. We treat children as the future of our country, but we are trying to make them all alike under a common single system of education. The lacuna of a common system of education is that the children’s natural capacities are completely overlooked. In such system, children’s talents and specialities remain unnoticed. Children get deprived of the advantage of their natural capacities.

With this view in the forefront, Hindu Seva Pratishthan in Karnataka’s Bangalore city has initiated a unique project in which an individual attention is paid towards each and every student for his physical as well as mental growth. The special feature of this project is that the child’s natural capacity is completely taken into account while grooming the student.

The project has been designed keeping in mind the kids belonging to slum areas. Here, nine centres have been opened for these children and regular tuitions are conducted for children studying in class one to seven. In each centre, a trained teacher teaches a batch of 20 to 25 kids. Apart from the school curriculum, the focus is also laid on character building. Children are also provided training in painting, music, dance, etc depending upon their interest. Yog, yogasanas and physical exercises are taught for physical as well as mental fitness.

On every Saturday, children from all the nine centres are assembled and taken to the nearby playground where they play various games that inculcate sportsman spirit among them.

Teachers from all centres meet after every fifteen days for discussing about the progress of students and to decide the future course of action. Thus due to the individual attention towards each and every student, a high progress rate has been witnessed. This has also delighted their parents that has resulted in their massive response towards the project.

If a child has to become a good and honest citizen of tomorrow, then his talent should be recognized and developed further accordingly. Hence children need such type of special training. Hindu Seva Pratishthan is working in this direction with full dedication.

Whatever projects Hindu Sewa Pratishthan takes up, there is some fragrance in it, worth emulating.

Contact:Hindu Seva Pratishthan‘Ajitshree’8/28, Bull Temple RoadBangalore, 560 004Karnataka, IndiaPhone no: 91-80-26608926, 26523088E-mail: [email protected]


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Inspired by the ideals and teachings of Swami Vivekanand and guided by the second Sarsanghchalak of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) the late M S Golwalkar alias Shri Guruji, Janaseva Trust and Charitable Institution was established in 1972 at Chennanhalli near Bangalore, with an avowed mission to serve the society in the field of education.

Janaseva Vidyakendra as a residential school was set up in 1972 with 13 students in a rented building. It has now grown as a huge banyan tree after a period of four decades. It has strength of 620 students now and its name and fame has spread not only to nearby areas but far off areas also know about this school. The students just not belong to the state of Karnataka alone; they come from all over the

country. The 50 acre area of this school has a beautiful, picturesque setting as emphasis is laid here on preserving and maintaining the environmental balance. The mango and other trees have grown here in large numbers, with additional green lawn providing a very calm, serene and inspiring atmosphere for the students to pursue their studies.

Janaseva Vidyakendra, Chennanhalli: Serving through education

After a gap of 25 years the Janaseva Trust founded Ved Vigyan Gurukulam, an institution for learning of Vedas, Sanskrit combined



with modern sciences, yoga and fine arts in the same campus.

with best quality education, a variety of educational and extra-curricular activities and programs, this school has earned name and fame in a short time. The perfect blending of old Gurukul system with the school fetched wonderful results for the school when a number of students of this school scored high ranks in the Xth Board level exams. This resulted in a continuous flow of students from all the districts of Karnataka State to this school. Students from neighboring state also approach this school for admission. The school is considered as a best school in the state and not only the guardians but the Education Department of the Karnataka state government has showered high praise on this school for its achievements.

of the school, like agriculture, horticulture, dairy, etc. in addition to teaching and hostel management, exhibiting an exemplary missionary zeal. The staff lives in the campus itself and attends to various needs of the students.

Attention is given to the harmonious growth of the personality of each student apart from the common features such as the usual games, and literary activities, the boys are given training in yogasanas, dhyana, Vedic recitation, self-discipline etc. The boys are induced to take interest in manual labour and social service. They visit nearby villages and take part in literacy drive as well as health surveys and other programs. The medium of instruction is Kannada up to seventh standard and at the higher secondary level instruction is offered in both English and Kannada languages.

Apart from regular routine academics, the school seeks to impart discipline, obedience, and inculcate love for the motherland and devotion to God. Well qualified and energetic young teachers are added attraction of the school. They shoulder various responsibilities

At the school, the regular curriculum as prescribed by the Education Department of the Government of Karnataka is taught. Before and after the school hours, the students are involved in physical, cultural, art and other activities.


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Keeping in mind the physical, mental, intellectual and spiritual development of the students, various activities are included in the daily routine. They include Morning Prayer, meditation, Vedic chanting, and singing of devotional and patriotic songs. Besides, the incidents from the life of great persons who sacrificed their comforts at the altar of the motherland are presented before them to help them imbibe those qualities in their life. Students are allowed and encouraged to participate in yogasana, sports or other physical activities.

Every week-end, different associations like the student forum, Sanmitra Sabha, the science forum, the art forum conduct various activities like discussion and talks by eminent people. The school has a well set library and well equipped laboratory. Facilities for both indoor and outdoor games are provided alongside educational film shows on TV. Proper encouragement and guidance for practice of arts, science projects, music and Sanskrit conversation is provided. The annual souvenir “Vidyashri” and “Pratibha” the students’ magazine in their own handwriting, are brought out. Educational tour is also conducted every year.

Hostel and other facilitiesTo acclimatize students to live together in harmony, they are accommodated in large, spacious dormitories. Each block is headed by a House Master who stays along with them. Students are taught to maintain cleanliness of the dormitory on their own. Clean fresh and healthy vegetarian diet is provided to the students. A full-time resident doctor looks after the health concerns of the students. With the class education being imparted in this institution and overall development, being taken care of these students have come out with flying colours and have occupied-place of pride in different walks of life and brought name & fame to the institution.

ContactJanaseva Trust20 km Magdi RoadPost –KadabugereChennanhalliBangalore- 56 21 30 (Karnataka, Bharat)Phone- +91-080-64548640, +91 -080-64503933, +91-080-64536186,080-28434230 (School)Email:[email protected]



In India, most of the people die due to nonavailability of blood at the time of operation/accidents. RSS Jankalyan Samiti put a step forward to ensure the availability of blood to save the precious lives. Jankalyan Blood Bank at Nasik is one of the ten blood banks run by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Jankalyan Samiti in Maharashtra.

Established in 1989, blood bank has been rendering selfless service at a very economical cost to the needy patients. Volunteers organize blood donation camps throughout the year on various occasions with the help of government blood banks and Indian Medical Association (IMA) blood bank. They maintain list of blood donors.

After inauguration, this blood bank crossed many milestones within a short period of time. With every

coming year, it saw an increasing number of donors and increasing turnover of blood bags. Strict maintenance of the quality of blood, affordable cost and social outlook brought an excellent acceptance and reputation for the blood bank in the society. Number of blood donation camps were on rise, and the blood bank could cross the important milestone of 1 lakh units collection since inception.

Blood bank always kept abreast in its technical up gradation and formed the first Component Preparation Laboratory in north Maharashtra in the year 1998. The components like red cell concentrate, fresh frozen plasma, liquid stable plasma, cryoprecipitate, platelet concentrate and washed red cells were made available for the first time to the medical faculty of Nasik.

Jankalyan Blood Bank, Nasik


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This facility helped many patients suffering from various clinical disorders. Excess plasma remaining in the blood bank is being sent to National Plasma Fractionation Centre located in Mumbai. This has enabled the centre to produce products like factor VIII, Albumin, Immunoglobulin etc. on a regular basis in our country. Previously these products were being imported and hence were too costly to be afforded by the common patients.

Considering the qualitative and quantitative growth of the blood bank, it was taken in the Modernization Plan of Ministry of Health, Government of India. Due to this inclusion, the blood bank has received various modern equipments for component separation. In addition to this help from National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), blood bank also received valuable help from State Government, Sai Sansthan (Shirdi) and many other organizations. However, the operational cost of the blood bank is high for common people. The present space seems to be inadequate for the huge turnover of the blood bank. It needs bigger space for more up gradation, newer facilities like thalassemia unit, research centre, voluntary AIDS counseling centre, which are the activities needed by the society.

Peripheral Distribution Centres are being established at remote

taluka places for the district to enable easy availability of blood and blood products to the people in remote areas. This will require a huge investment in terms of storage facilities in the Peripheral Distribution Centres and maintenance of cold chain during transportation of blood products through refrigerated van. Computerization has been done in the blood bank but there is a need to cover all the fields (related to blood bank) in computerization rather than the technical records alone.

Many a lives can be saved through blood bank/ donation, and Jankalyan is doing yeoman service through its blood Banks in Various towns of Maharashtra.

Contact:Jankalyan Blood BankUmiya Apartment,Dr. Hedgewar Chowk,Sharanpur Road,Nashik - (Maharashtra, India) 422005Phone: 0253 - 2573493/2575249Contact person : Smt.Panchashree Email : rssjan¬[email protected]



Mahabaleshwar town in the state of Maharashtra has earned a lot of fame as a tourist centre. Tapola is one such nature-blessed village located near the region. The atmosphere of the village is full of fresh air that is a must for good health. However, medical aid is still at bay and the village lies in a tight grip of poverty, illiteracy and ignorance. Means of transportation are also hardly to be found. The absence of first aid many a times proves fatal for the villagers. Jankalyan Samiti initiated ‘Arogya Rakshak’ project to overcome this problem.

Under this project, one person from each village itself is chosen to play the duty of arogya rakshak and is given a two-day training in first aid by doctors. All these arogya rakshaks then enter their respective villages with this first aid kit and provide treatment free of cost. Ordinary ailments are treated in the

village itself and proper guidance is provided for chronic disorders.

Jankalyan Samiti’s Arogya Rakshak Project

The sphere of this project’s work is not just limited to providing temporary relief but it focuses on improving the health of the entire village. It aims at reaching the peak of nation’s development by systematically climbing the three steps; health people, healthy families and healthy villages.For achieving this target, a four-fold programme comprising of health awareness, health conservation,


April 2015 | 57

health education and disease prevention has been undertaken. A number of health-related activities are implemented by organizing the villagers. Exhibitions are organized. More insistence is given on practical implementation rather than theoretical interaction. Hygiene awareness is created among school children. Their nails are cut. Water purification methods are taught. Pieces of alum are also distributed among children.

Efforts are also initiated for maintaining the public hygiene. Village cleanliness drives have been undertaken. In addition to this, bhajan mandalis are constituted to purify the atmosphere of villages with spirituality.

For grooming students, ‘zoli wachnalayas’ are run by arogya rakshaks. Sanskar vargs are also conducted in some villages. Guidance is also provided for improving the farm yield.

In today’s date, 1,000 arogya rakshaks are active in 18 districts of Maharashtra. The arogya rakshak project work executes in the districts of Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Kolhapur, Satara, Sangli, Pune, Nasik, Jalgaon, Aurangabad, Jalna, Latur and Beed. Through this project, local villagers have got an excellent opportunity to work for the welfare of their brethren.

Healthy diet: Malnutrition is an issue of grave concern in vanavasi regions. Vanavasi padas (habitats) in Thane district’s Jawhar taluka were

surveyed. Five padas were selected for experimentation. Local balsevika was selected from each pada. As per the recommendation and nutrition schedule framed by Ayurveda Board, nutritional food items are served to these children that includes ‘Rajgira Vadi’ in the morning, laddus containing Satto and jiggery in the afternoon and ‘Moong Khichdi’ containing cow-ghee in the evening. This entire responsibility is successfully shouldered by balsevikas. At present, about 200 children are availing the benefit of this scheme. In addition to this, the children also undergo mass hair cut and bathing activities.

A regular medical check-up of pregnant women is conducted. Guidance is provided for childcare. Children also undergo a regular health check-up. Bhajans, inspirational stories, shlokas are taught to students before meals. This entire project is taking vanavasis towards the path of all-round development.

Jankalyan Samiti is taking health care of the masses where the medical facility is not available, in an unique way.

Contact:Dr Anant KulkarniN-7/12, Nikam Park, Devkar PandadKolhapur- 416012Maharashtra, IndiaPhone no: 9822089683Email: [email protected]: www.rssjankalyansamiti.org



Seva Bharti Balak Chhatrawas, situated in the lush green surrounding of Kosamdih in Dindori district of Madhya Pradesh is not just a hostel of the Gond janjati boys; it is more than what meets the eye of a first time visitor. It is a multi-dimensional project which includes a temple, residential school, mobile dispensary, health care unit, gaushala, library and a meditation room for the inmates of the hostel. It is the center of social change.

The project, which houses 185 students from the surrounding areas-mostly inhabited by Gond janjati, was launched in 2003. Prior to this the idols of Lord Ram, Mother Sita and Laxman were consecrated at the temple built within the premises in 2002.

The middle school started in 2006. Every year 5-6 students are selected for admission in CBSE hostels run by Seva Bharti at Delhi, Gwalior and Bhopal. Two of them are selected

for foreign tour also. There is government school located almost at every kilometer but the Seva Bharti School is always flooded by students and their parents who are keen on seeking admission here. At present the school caters to the surrounding 80 villages situated in 8 development blocks. The school charges a fees of Rs 150/- plus 12 kg rice, and 3 kg dal per student.

The temple situated in the school premises has become a centre for promoting social harmony and unity among the villagers. A unique appeal was made to the people to deposit a rupee daily in the piggybanks kept at the temple. This fetched a whopping sum of Rs 50,000/- which was used for organizing samrasta bhoj (Community lunch) on the occasion of Ramnavmi or Dol Utsav. Special programs are arranged during Diwali when the villagers, especially womenfolk gather to worship the cows reared in the Gaushala.

How does this project bring about transformation in the lifestyle of the rural folks? Kauslyabai from Binzori village, whose ward studies in class 7, has this to say: “We appreciate the teaching method and especially the sanskars that are being inculcated in our wards. Never before my ward touched my feet in obeisance which he learnt to do so at the school.”

Dhiraj Singh Dhurve, another

Kosamdih Chhatravas: A Center of Social Change


April 2015 | 59

parent, withdrew his son from a government school and admitted him in this school because “this school is best”.

“Our school has topped the list in tribal area of the state”, says Principal Shivkumar Dhurve, who too hails from Gond janjati. The multifaceted activities at the school includes besides regular and rigorous teaching, stories from great personalities, antakshari Competitions, games and sports, religious programs like Ramnavami, Dol utsav, and guardian meetings. The students and teachers go to the villagers and interact with them regarding the progress of their wards and activities at the school.

In an informal meeting with the managing committee members including Chairman Udayram ji Paraste, Secretary Shivkumar Baroha and Treasurer Krishnakumar Dubey at the school premises revealed that the people of the region like this school very much. They run the school in most efficient way as such

there is always a rush for admission in this school.

Many a households have been freed of liquor menace. A very simple but effective method is applied by the school authorities for this. They gift a Tulsi sapling to a family and ask them to worship it, take care of it in order to get rid of drinking habit. The result is astonishing, says Dr Ramshankar Rajput, the 86-year young doctor who looks after the entire project as its guardian. There is a mobile dispensary which caters to the surrounding villages and distributes medicines to the needy persons.

Shri Hari Satsang Samiti, Kolkata has come forward to sustain the project financially by donating Rs 11 lakhs.

This Balak chatravas has become center of hope for the gond Janjati and is making a silent revolution to upgrade their living conditions by giving them good education.

ContactSewa Bharati Awaasiya VidyalayKosamdihDevelopment Block: Bajaag, Dist: Dindori- 481990(Madhya Pradesh, India)Phone: 07644-2762158By Road: From Jabalpur and Mandla-private and govt bus service is available.



Mathru Chaya Bal Kalyan Kendra has provided shelter to the destitute children in the society and thus filled the voids in their life which otherwise would have become pits for them in which their bright future would have been buried. Located at Akshaya Park in Hubli city of Karnataka, this home currently looks after 40 children of all age groups that comprises of 30 girls and 10 boys. The children here are availing education from Std I to Std X.

While some of the children are orphaned, the others have only one parent (either mother or father).

Orphaned or destitute children face a lot of problems in the society be it discrimination or their social and

economic problems. They remain deprived of education and get indulged into malpractices. Though many people show sympathy towards such children, Bal Kalyan Kendra is striving to give shape to those sympathies, and make these children lead a normal life like the other children in the society.

In this project, children who are having parent/parents are looked after and given education along with all their needs like food and clothing unto 18 years of age. The orphaned children are totally taken care by the Kendra even after 18 year of age and are sent to various other projects.

This Kendra really transformed the lives of these children. The day here

Mathru Chhaya Bal Kalyan Kendra, Hubli


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begins at 5.30 am and the children remain busy in various activities till 9.30 pm. In the morning session, children study for a few hours and also help in household activities. All the children participate in prayers. After the school, children go to play at the nearby park. They play along with the other children of the locality friendly mingling with them. In the evening hours, all the children gather for Bahamans (Prayer). Later, they do their homework and study. Many people visit the kendra and are very happy to note its activities, some are giving cash donations, while others help by way of kind and appreciate the work done by the kendra. People in the vicinity also share the joyous moments of their life with the inmates of the kendra. Children also participate in bhajan recitals that are held during

the festivals. They are good at sports too. They can now even talk in Sanskrit. Now they have developed a new vision towards life.

Seeing is believing - one has to see “antyakshari” in Kabir Doha in regional language played by small inmates in the age group of 6-10 years affirms the belief that if the input of Samskar is good the output will be the best, in this age group.

ContactSewa Bharati Hubli Sewa Bharati, Hubli, Sevasadan, 2nd main Road, Banashankari Layout, Keshwapur, Hubli – 580023 Dr.Raghu Akamanchi, 08362237400,09448631998 [email protected]@gmail.com



It is often said that, the treatment is more painful than the disease. Cancer is one such disease in which the patient is already traumatized with the fear of death and when the treatment is to be done in a metro like Mumbai, patient’s relatives find it extremely difficult to meet the expenses of food and accommodation. However, the solution to this problem lies in Parel suburb; a ten-storied building in the name Rugna Seva Sadan run by Nana Palkar Smriti Samiti where the arrangement for accommodation of cancer patients and their relatives is done free of cost.

Every year, about 40,000 patients come to Mumbai for the treatment of cancer at KEM, Tata and Nair hospitals. They get due economic relief by the hospital management but the basic problem is of accommodation. Due to lack of shelter, they live in the premises outside the hospital which becomes quite embarrassing for them. Rugna Seva Sadan takes care of such brethren. Cancer patients coming from all over the country

are admitted here. The admission is given on the basis of certificate from the hospital management and letter by a medical social worker. Patient along with his two relatives are accommodated in a single room.

The facility is provided free of cost for about one month. After this period, a nominal rent of Rs 50 per day is charged. Cancer nibbles a person by body, mind and wealth. Under such circumstances, this place indeed imparts a home-like feeling to the patients. Relatives also get the satisfaction of admitting their kin at an appropriate place. Snacks are provided in the cafeteria by charging a nominal amount. Those who cannot afford to spend that much also are given meals free of cost. In the evening, all the inmates assemble in the courtyard for sharing their grieves. All of them enthusiastically participate in prayer that is held regularly at Ganesh temple situated on ground floor. Round-the-clock lift facility, cleanliness, posh and secured atmosphere adds to the relief of the patients.

Nana Palkar; a versatile personality; a writer, poet and Sangh karyakarta who devoted his entire life for the well being of society. He had a great passion to serve the patients. Keeping this view in mind, this samiti was established after the demise of Nana and thus the journey began for

Nana Palkar Samiti’s Rugna Seva Sadan


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this noble work. In the beginning, patients were accommodated in a flat. Later on, land was granted by the government and a huge building was constructed. The hospital now has a capacity of accommodating 74 patients along with two relatives of each. Thus, total 224 people can be accommodated now.

Realizing the significance of this work, many people render a helping

hand. However, samiti karyakartas request them to first observe the work by visiting the hospital. Till

date, many dignitaries have visited the hospital and blessed the samiti with valuable infrastructure. Vijay Gokhale’s visit paved the way for Dialysis Centre whereas Mr and Mrs Tulsi gifted the samiti with a well equipped pathology lab. Dialysis is done at a nominal cost of Rs 350. Around 700 dialyses are performed each month under the supervision of three experts from Mumbai. HIV test is done at a negligible cost in the well quipped pathology lab. Along with this, counseling is done regarding AIDS and other ailments. Fruits are distributed among the

patients of TB Ward on every Thursday. Most of the patients admitted here are abandoned by their family members. Medicines are also given free of cost.

Tiffin is daily served to the mothers at Wadiya Children’s Hospital. Refreshment is given to children in the evening. Milk and tea is served to the patients and their relatives at Tata Hospital.

Dispensary is run at Parel by charging nominal fees. Both medicines as well as consultation are provided at just Rs 10. Samiti’s ambulance is always at the service of patients and the transportation is done free of cost. All the karyakartas and staffers work with a feeling of ‘Serving patients is service to God.’ This feeling is reflected in their entire conduct.

Rugna Seva Sadan has certainly blessings of cancer patients who stay here and get homely affection, away from home.

ContactArvind KhareRugna Seva Sadan, 158, Rugna Seva Sadan MargDr. Ambedkar Road,Parel, Mumbai, 400012Maharashtra, IndiaPhone no: 022-24164890/ 24186724web site: www.npss.org, Email: [email protected]



Giving a new credible dimension to cow rearing

religious place in Indian society.

But the increasing use of machines following industrial revolution, also affected the field of farming. Slowly animals were replaced with machines like tractors, and use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides went on increasing. This reduced the importance of cow and its progeny in agriculture. Today, rearing cows has become more cumbersome for the farmers owing to a lot many factors. Though the medicinal values of panchagavya are still relevant, it cannot be established in today’s market economy. It is here the Bhilwada-based Parampujya Madhav Go-Vigyan Anusandhan Sansthan is playing an important role in re-establishing the lost glory and importance of cow in present-day Indian agricultural and socio-economic and religious milieu.

Panchagavya is used as base in many medicines. This Sansthan has decided to carry out further research in this direction. Cow urine is considered sacred in our culture not because of religious importance attached to cow but it has been proved medically that with consumption of cow urine many poisonous elements in our body are destroyed. Cow urine is also used in treatment of some diseases including cancer. Tablets have been manufactured from cow urine to

Parampujya Madhav Go-Vigyan Anusandhan Sansthan, Bhilwada

India has been a predominantly agrarian country. Cow and its progeny occupied an important place in agriculture and socio-religious life of people in India since ages. Fertilizers used to be made from cow dung. Similarly, yoghurt, ghee etc. prepared from cow milk was mostly used by the people. Experience and experiments confirmed the medicinal values and use of panchagavya – a combination of cow milk, yoghurt, ghee, cow dung and urine. All this led to cow occupying a very sacred, prominent


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kill its offensive smell. Bhasma from Cow dung, multani mitti and haldi are used for making bathing soaps. Besides this, some 42 medicines are prepared from cow dung which can resist diseases. Efforts are on to get these medicines patented with the help and guidance of scientists like Dr Vijay Bhatkar.

The research carried out at Sansthan proved that just being in company of cows helps the individuals. With this observation, arrangements are made for the people to conduct ‘sapta- gopradakshina’ (going round the cows). This especially helps the expectant mothers.

Fertilizer is produced with use of cow dung, cow urine and left over of the cattle fodder. Effective pesticides are produced with the mixing of neem leaves and cow urine in an earthen pot which is buried under the earth for some time to allow proper and perfect mixing.

On going through the success rate of this sansthan, the people from nearby areas have taken up once again cow rearing and using them in farming practices. This is a true success of the project.

This Go-Vigyan Anusandhan Kendra is really a role model to our farmers, and cows are our national assets in true sense.

ContactParampujya Madhav Go-Vigyan Anusandhan SansthanSewa Bharati,Sanskriti Mandir, 10, Ashok NagarBhilwada- 311001(Rajasthan, Bharat)Phone- 01482-235536,256201Email- [email protected], [email protected]



Women are held in high esteem in Bharatiya society since the hoary past. The society bows before the women power and sing innumerable sonnets in their praise. On the other hand, the women are subjected to insults, harassments, and the society even accords them a secondary position in social life. Why this paradox? We come across many women who became victims of these double standards in vogue in Bharatiya society. Parivartan Mahila Sanstha has come forward to provide a helping hand to these women in distress with its ten different projects.

Parivartan Mahila Sanstha was established by some like-minded women activists in 2000 at Titwala near Kalyan in Thane District for the destitute and distressed women

and girls. The objective was to make available a respectable living, and honorable treatment to these women. Besides implementing the women empowerment schemes of the government, the Sanstha works through other means also so that their problems could be resolved. As a first step in this direction the Sanstha started ‘Mukta’ a hostel for such orphaned, destitute and deserted women and girls.

The hostel housed in a rented three-storied building of Lions Club in Mulund provides shelter to 30 women. Mukta is a home for women and girls who find themselves in a police lock-up or at railway station wandering aimlessly. Then there are girls who leave their homes due to various reasons and bitter experiences. Such girls are

Parivartan Mahila Sanstha, Titwala: A home for destitute women


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given ‘counselling’ in the hostel and restored back to the custody of their parents after their counselling. This is one of the most important activities of our organization, said Dr Nishigandha Mogal.

Arrangements for lodging and boarding, education and job training are made in accordance with the requirement of women who come to this hostel. Counseling is provided to women/girls who are victims of bitter experiences or some accidents and efforts are made to bring them out of that psychological trauma so that they too could lead a normal life. The girls who were treated in this way have completed different job-oriented courses like nursing etc. Others have opted for persuasion of higher studies like M A, MBA or CA.

It becomes imperative for the activists who manage the hostel to be patient and study the family background of such girls to provide them proper counseling to overcome the bitter feelings. The activists interact with such girls with utmost care and patience. It has been the endeavor of the Sanstha to provide a family-like congenial atmosphere to the inmates. They are allowed to play games as per their likings. Daily prayer is also conducted in the morning. Not only limiting itself to providing education to the girls, the Sanstha has arranged their marriages also.

Re-productive child healthThe Sanstha runs a Reproductive Child Health program for poor tribal women living in 29 villages of Thane district under which local tribal women are trained to handle and use the medical kit given to them. Health check-up camps are held for the women. The Sanstha has trained some workers to treat expectant mothers during pregnancy. They keep the monthly record of vaccination of such women from conception to delivery. Due to poverty and illiteracy these ladies are ignorant about medication during pregnancy. The Sanstha also organizes community meals for such ladies and presents them sari during such community meals. The tribal ladies participate in this program with great zest.

The Sanstha publishes annually a magazine dedicated to the duties and rights of women. So far nine such issues have been published some of them received awards for their presentations.



Dilasa Day Care CenterIn the much busy life style of the day it becomes almost impossible for the family members to spare time for the aged members. The Sanstha comes to help such aged and elderly persons through its ‘Dilasa Day Care Center which can accommodate 7-8 elderly persons at a time. They are kept under the care of a trained nurse and medical examination of these elderly persons is also done at the center. In some families, the aged persons require help at their homes only. The sanstha sends some of its trained nurses in such families once they receive the message to take care of these elderly people. These nurses accompany

them to banks, hospitals, railway stations etc. at a very nominal fee. The Sanstha earns some financial assistance through this charity.

Ultimately Parivartan is actually doing social & cultural trans-formation in real sense by encouraging women to be bold, cultured & self reliant.

ContactJyoti PatkarSudama Smriti, Snehankit Mitra Mandal Chowk,Nandivali Road, Hanuman Nagar, DOMBIVALI- 42 12 01(Maharashtra, India)Phone- 0251-2883124, Cell-09322217024Email:[email protected]:-www.parivartanmahila.org


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Pragati Bahuddeshiya Sanstha has transformed the entire life of vanavasi youths residing in Melghat by generating various avenues of employment in the region itself. Vanavasis who earlier used to struggle a lot for two-time meals are now living a life filled with self-reliance due to the Herculean efforts of Pragati Sanstha.

Melghat region located in Amravati district of Maharashtra is a well known tourist centre. However, the vanavasis residing in this region are still several miles away from the stream of development. They migrate towards cities for earning bread but here also, the employment is not ensured for them. Depressed by this failure, these youths then get indulged into malpractices spoiling their life.

In order to provide them a good

source of earning in the village itself, so that they will not feel any need to migrate towards cities, some responsible youths from the village came together in the year 1997-98. They made the villagers realize the fact that their children can get employment in the village itself. In order to generate the employment and avail the benefit of various government schemes, Pragati Bahuddeshiya Sanstha was officially established in the year 1999.

A survey of 20 villages was conducted at Susarda village located in Dharni taluka of Amravati district. In this region, vanavasi brethren were engaged in the activities such as fishing, honey collection, firewood collection, etc. Some of them were even practicing farming but the produce was quite less. They used to migrate towards cities in absence of employment at villages.

Pragati Bahuddeshiya Sanstha, Melghat



They were living a strenuous life for earning two-time bread. Most of them opted for selling honey but did not get appropriate returns. Pragati decided to get them engaged permanently in the profession of honey collection and also ensure a proper remuneration for their work.

For this, a centre was opened at Susarda. A team of 20 vanavasis expert in collecting honey by conventional method was constituted. Modern, advanced training was given to this team. Central Institute for Honeybee Research and Training, Pune actively co-operated with Pragati Sanstha in this move. All the necessary infrastructure required to extract honey by climbing trees was also provided.

In this training, apart from the bookish knowledge, much more things are taught by actually going near the honeycomb. There is a belief among vanavasis that extracting honey without killing the honeybees is like kicking them off from their own house. If done so,

the honeybees get irked and take revenge! Without disturbing their belief, they were trained to extract honey from the portion in which the honey was actually accumulated in the honeycomb.

In the initial phase of training, trainees are made to sit inside the protective net kept on ground near the honeycomb so as to ensure their skin protection. A rope is used to reach up to the honeycomb that is located at a distance of 50 to 70 feet from the ground level. As the responsibility of each and every brethren lies with the institution, an insurance cover is provided to all.

The extracted honey is collected in a pot. Earlier, one had to travel 30-40 km for selling honey. Hence, in addition to provide training in extraction, a honey collection and processing plant was also set up. This ensured local market for the vanavasis.

The sphere of Pragati’s work is widening day by day. The training given by Pragati has also benefitted the youths from the surrounding region. The training campaign that began with an initial strength of just 20 has now benefitted over 600 vanavasi youths from various regions such as Amravati, Akola, Buldhana, Yavatmal, Wardha, Nagpur, Chandrapur, Gondia, Bhandara, Gadchiroli and Washim.

The honey extracted by these trainees is purchased at a rate of Rs


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60/kg after quality check. Vanavasis who used to earn Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000 per year are now earning up to Rs 3,000 per month because of Pragati’s efforts. According to the need of the hour, the institute has purchased modern equipment for honey processing and purification. 100 kg of honey is processed and packed daily. This ‘Melghat Honey’ is then exported to major cities of Maharashtra such as Nagpur, Pune, Mumbai, Nasik, etc.

After extracting honey, the section of honeycomb is utilized for making wax. First of all, this section is boiled in water for 3 to 5 minutes. Then the mixture is filtered and collected in a pot containing water. An excellent quality wax is obtained after solidification. Now, the vanavasi brethren have also started making money by selling wax produced by this method.

In addition to honey, Pragati has also started the production of edible gum. The conventional method of taking measurement for judging the availability of gum is followed here even today. Cuts are given by scientific method after selecting the tree. Raw gum is obtained by this process. A piece of plastic is tied to the cut portion so that the gum will get stuck to the tree without falling on ground. After 1 or 2 days the percolated gum is sent for further processing.

Pragati has indeed yielded a great success in curbing the migration of

vanavasi brethren towards cities in search of employment. It has restored this efficient work force back to the villages. By establishing self-help groups, Pragati has also catalyzed the process of women empowerment in the region. Cleanliness drive, literacy camps, health check-up, self-employment training, tailoring training, vegetable shops, bangle shops, etc are the various activities undertaken by Pragati for women empowerment. Khadi production centre has also been set up at Melghat that has given employment to over 85 women.

“Pragati” has shown the way by imparting training and exploit the local available resources to earn a living for them to be self reliant in this vanavasi belt.

ContactPragati Bahuddeshiya Sansthac/o Dhanraj KocheAthavadi Bazar, PulgaonTal- Deoli, Dist- Wardha 44 23 02MaharashtraPh no:- [email protected]



The hilly terrain of Jawhar, that was once deprived of basic facilities has now become self-sufficient in agricultural produce because of the innovative and disciplined farming methods implemented under the guidance of Pragati Pratishthan.

Pragati Pratishthan is a voluntary Organization working in the area of education and rural development since 1972. The organization was started with a rehabilitation project in slums of Thane. Decent houses for slum dwellers along with water and sanitation facilities were provided by the organization. Over a period of time, the scope of work was expanded in the areas of education, watershed management, women empowerment, energy, employment, food and nutrition programme for children, agriculture etc.

Regarding agriculture, the focus is currently being laid on tribal Jawhar tehsil in Maharashtra’s Thane district that is inhabited in 272 hamlets called ‘padas.’ Its total population is approximately 1.5 lakh, out of which 90% belong to Scheduled Tribes & Scheduled Castes. More than 80% families belong to BPL (Below Poverty Line) category. Most of the villages do not have good roads and the situation becomes worse during monsoon. In spite of many government schemes, people are extremely poor & lack basic amenities such as health, education, irrigation & employment. 80 to 90% population is engaged in agriculture. Major crops are rice & Ragi. The overall productivity is low because:

• They follow traditional methods

Pragati Pratishthan transforms the face of agriculture at Jawhar


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of farming.

• Due to hilly terrain, they cannot use mechanical means of farming like tractor.

• Non availability of good quality seeds.

• Being hilly area, water flows down to plains and farmers are left with no water after monsoon. Hence they grow only one crop.

For improvement in agriculture, the foundation has joined hands with another organization, Syngenta Foundation. Pragati Pratishthan, with the help of graduates in agriculture, is disseminating information regarding new techniques of farming. For this purpose, information centres for agriculture (Krushi Mahiti Kendra) have been set up at various places. ‘Pragati Krushi Vikas Mandals’ have also been formed with local progressive farmers, who impart knowledge to other farmers in nearby areas & provide continuous help & guidance.

Apart from giving information, farmers are motivated to adopt new techniques. They are guided to grow good quality seeds and make these available to farmers. Guidance is also provided regarding the techniques of sowing, pest control, manure etc. There is a continuous hand holding till the crop is harvested. During the last few years, farmers

who have adopted new techniques have seen more than 50% rise in their yield/acre. A new variety of vegetables has been introduced in the region so that farmers' income improve. Kitchen gardens have been developed where farmers can grow vegetables for their own use.

In this hilly area, water retention is very important. For this, dams of various kinds are built. Check Dam is a cement concrete dam & is long lasting. It can also withstand greater force of water current. However, it is expensive (Rs 4 to 6 lakh) and is therefore limited in numbers. Vanrai Dam is very economical (Rs 2000) but is useful only if current force is low & its life is generally one season. Wiremesh Dam costs around Rs 30 to 40 thousand and lasts for a longer period. Apart from storing water for direct use, these dams help in raising ground water level. This helps in improving availability of drinking water through wells.

Another inexpensive method of storing water is farm ponds which are built in the fields of individual farmers. These ponds are lined with 'Silpaulin' to preserve water for a longer period. Farmers use this water for growing vegetables or flowers after monsoon. As the pond is situated close to the field, the farmer does not need pump to use it.

For sustainable development in tribal area, it is necessary to supplement their agricultural



income through other activities. As a part of this initiative, a rehabilitation centre is run for deaf and dumb children, where they make ‘Warli Art’ articles. The centre helps villagers for kaju (cashew) processing, farming and provides them machines & equipments. A marketing training is also provided to them. Various vocational training programs are organized like nursing, tailoring, poultry farming, masonry, driving, DBRT (Diploma in basic rural technology) etc.

In Jawhar tehsil, the availability of electricity is poor. Even many padas do not have provision for electricity supply. Also, tribals use wood as a fuel leading to deforestation. Hence the centre is trying to create non-conventional energy sources like bio-gas, solar energy, bio fuel from Jatrofa seeds etc.

A bio-gas plant is built in the hostel that is used for cooking food for more than 70 students. In far flung villages, people have been using kerosene lamps. Each hut is provided with a solar panel & 2 bulbs and solar lights are provided in public places also.

This tribal area is shown a way by Pragati Pratisthan as to how to lead a better life in the hilly terrains by using simple means.

Contact:1) Anil DingoreTendulkar Smruti, opposite petrol pump,Tehsil: Jawhar, District: Thane- 400602Tel : 02520-222454 Fax : 02520-223140,09422664916Email : [email protected]). Jeevanchaya,Ram Maruti Road, Navpada, Thane - 400602


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Upliftment of the underprivileged is the only way to uplift the nation. Unless the stream of development flows though these sections of society, nation’s development will remain retarded. Keeping this view in mind, Pragya Prabodhini in Maharashtra is striving hard for the upliftment of Pardhi brethren that were once regarded as criminals due to divide and rule policies of British. Pragya Prabodhini have made them lead a life filled with self respect and has enlightened their lives.

In Amravati district of Maharashtra, Pardhi community people reside in 48 ‘bedas’ situated in 14 talukas. By conducting a detailed survey, Prabodhini has initiated the welfare work in 26 bedas. Festivals such as Raksha Bandhan, Ganeshotsav, Deepawali, Makar Sankranti and Hanuman Jayanti are celebrated with religious fervor. From last three years, Durgotsav is being enthusiastically celebrated at Mardi Beda.

Lord Hanuman’s temple is being built at Wadura. Deepawali Milan programmes were organized recently at Kekatpur, Diwankhed and Shindola. Laxmipujan was performed at bedas and 300 women were given sarees as a token of brotherly love. Earthen lamp, a picture of Goddess Laxmi and faral (Diwali snacks) were also given.

In order to inculcate sanskars among children, sanskar camps are periodically conducted in villages such as Dhanora Phasi, Wadura, Hingalaspur, Mardi and Wagholi. In the year 2010, a three-day mega camp was conducted in which 160 children participated. Activities such as Yoga, physical exercises and sports were taught along with the recital of shlokas, patriotic songs, poems, extempore and story telling. Medical check-up was also conducted by expert doctors. A remarkable discipline was witnessed among the students in these three days. They were brought to the camp by a team of karyakartas working at Pardhi Bedas. Karyakartas also shouldered the entire responsibility of the camp.

For the economic upliftment of Pardhis, five self help groups are functioning at Wadura, Dhanora Phasi and Diwankhed. Rs 1,00,000 loan was disbursed among 22 Pardhi families. Maximum of Pardhi brethren are engaged in farming profession. Pesticides and seed worth Rs 75,000 have been distributed on 16 Pardhi Bedas (residences) under late Nanaji Deshmukh Krishi Sahayata Yojana. In addition to this, agricultural training and advice is also given to them time to time.

In order to provide healthcare to the

Pragya Prabodhini, Amravati dedicated towards Pardhi welfare



Pardhi brethren, Madhav Arogya Rakshak Yojana has been initiated in the name of late RSS Sarsanghchalak Param Poojyaniya Shri Guruji. First aid kits have been distributed on 20 bedas under this scheme. For the effective implementation of scheme, Arogya Rakshak has been appointed on each beda by giving him due training. As per the requirement, the patients are also shifted to the hospital at Amravati in case of emergency and are treated with utmost care. Economic assistance is also provided.

For the sake of homogeneity, the work area has been divided into eight talukas in Amravati district. Eight karyakartas have been appointed for each district. One arogya rakshak and beda chief have also been appointed for each beda. Sukhdev Pawar has been appointed as a full time karyakarta.

In order to ensure that Pardhi brethren should themselves lead their community, training is provided to them from time to time. Meeting of the team is conducted after every two months. Special training is organized and annual training workshop is also held. In this workshop, guidance is provided in respects such as agriculture, self help groups, government schemes, etc. To avail the benefits of various government schemes, Shrimangal Pardhi Vikas Bahuddeshiya Sanstha has been established.

Karyakartas such as Avinash

Deshpande, Pravin Joshi, Mukund Pande, Raveendra Karve, Sudhir Bharatiya,

Mohan Pande, Yadavrao Bhogaonkar, Madhukarao Bansod and Sheetal Bansod are striving hard for accelerating the work of Pardhi welfare and creating awareness at Pardhi Bedas.

An atmosphere of trust has now been generated at Pardhi Bedas. Building hostel for Pardhi children at Amravati is in the offing and karyakartas have full confidence of achieving the success soon. With a feeling that Bharatmata will get enriched by the empowerment of the downtrodden, Pragya Prabodhini is constantly marching on the path of self reliance. Amravatians have a lion’s share in this success Story of Pragya Prabodhini.

Contact personPragya Prabodhini73 B-“Yadnik”, Nishigandha Colony, Jawahar Nagar, AMRAVATI,-444604, (Maharashtra)Sh.Avinash Deshpande-0721-2530396, 0766965484pradnyaprabodhiniamt@gmail.comwww.pradnyaprabodhini.org


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Health facilities are still at bay in the tribal belts of the country that are cut off from the mainstream of social development. Malnutrition and lack of proper aid have made these people lead a life that is worse than even the animals. Since 1988, PRERAK has taken an oath to eradicate this evil from the entire tribal region of Chhattisgarh and has much succeeded in transforming the face of this region. Various healthcare programmes initiated by PRERAK have improved the living conditions of the tribal brethren and earned a respectable position for them in the society. Karyakartas working for the institution have developed an emotional attachment with these people as if they are just like their family members. Thus it has certainly brought an awakening among tribal masses so as to march on the path of development.

Health care projects Community Eye Health Programme: PRERAK initiated Community Eye Health program in the year 2003 in two blocks Gariaband & Magarlod of Raipur & Dhamtari district with the help of Sight Savers International Mumbai to eradicate the eye related diseases such as cataract, glaucoma, low vision and other refractive errors. Since inception of the project more than 3000 cataract patients have been motivated and operated. Looking at the good response from the community PRERAK has launched the same project in Chhura and Fingeshwar block of Chhattisgarh and the program is going on.

Vision centre: A well-equipped vision centre is maintained by Prerak at Rajim by the support of Sight Savers International where eye patients are diagnosed on every Friday. The vision centre provides counselling, medicines and spectacles to the people having poor eyesight.

Community Based Rehabilitation For visually impaired: The institution is working on two types of rehabilitation economic & social rehabilitation. Under community based rehabilitation, visually impaired are given orientation and mobility to know about the environment & walking skills. They

Prerak - Healthcare & Rural Devlopment Projects in tribal belts of Chattisgarh



are taught to perform daily living activities such as brushing, eating food, identification of things, etc so that they can live like a normal person. In the economic rehabilitation, those who are physically fit are linked with economic activities according to their interest so that they can earn their livelihood.

Reproductive child health: PRERAK has initiated the reproductive child health programme for the tribal communities of Gariaband block to reduce the infant mortality rate & maternal mortality rate. Under this programme, traditional birth attendants are given training and supported with 'Dai kit' to reduce the death rate during and after birth. Under this programme, PRERAK also teaches on hygiene, pre and postnatal care of women and child.

Integrated education for visually impaired children: PRERAK promotes equal access to appropriate education for all visually impaired children and youths so that they may achieve their full potential. Visually impaired children and youth are entitled to a full range of educational services. Teachers and professionals are supporting in reading Braille and providing pre and early education. PRERAK has provided appropriate educational material and methods to educate the visually impaired. Presently, 51 visually impaired children are receiving education.

Promotion of Vaidya Concept : The institution is promoting herbal

medicines for the tribal people because tribals reside in the far flung areas of thick forest where medical facilities are rarely available. Therefore, initiative has been taken to train traditional vaiddyas (healers) to identify the herbs and prepare medicines. The objective is to reduce the dependency upon the allopathic medicines for the treatment of minor diseases.

Rural Development Projects:-Prerak has aimed to create just a process of rural development where the most backward classes of Chhattisgarh especially women can be empowered and move progressively towards the path of Gram Swaraj.

Leadership skill development: Seminars, training programmes, workshops and many other educational programmes are organized for the village leaders and other officials to promote capacity building/leadership quality in the community.

Income generation programme: 'Prerak' has initiated many income generation programmes for the economically backward tribal people so as to uplift their standard of living. Group farming; paddy cultivation using modern technology; collection, storage and sale of Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFP) like honey, mahul, and shal leaves, Mahua flower etc; brick making; fish rearing, etc are some of the activities that are being run


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with this purpose. The organization has also established dal mill, oil and lac processing units and others for promoting income generation programme and NTFP activities.

Women empowerment through micro-finance: 'Prerak' gives priority to women for getting the ownership of the parental property and social participation with any organization activity so that they are able to learn the strategies to develop the leadership skill and talking style with community, and able to promote self income generation activities. Presently, there are 65 self-help groups (SHGs) in Mainpur block. 112 SHGs are formed and linked with banks. Some of the SHGs are engaged in income generation activities such as fisheries, collection and sale of non timber forest produce. Some of the SHGs are managing the mid-day meal. Prerak has taken initiative to federate the SHGs and in future has planned to transfer the federation into multiple self-help cooperatives. Training is imparted to develop the skills of SHG leaders & members.

Vasundhara Agricultural Demonstration Centre: Herbal plantation and agriculture demonstration centre is situated 3 km away from Gariaband Office at village Bhilai. Around 100 types of different medicinal herbs are planted for demonstration. For the demonstration in agriculture, NADEP manure tank, wormy

wash and wormy compost pit are demonstrated. Traditional local paddy seed collection and multiplication work is going on. Around 225 local paddy seed has been collected. Useless upland and sandy land in the area, are made appropriate for crops and vegetables cultivation. Demonstration is given at this centre so that the farmers can learn and practice in their own fields.

Agricultural development: Lac is one of the most important non-timber forest produce available in the area for household income. In many parts of Chhattisgarh, lac is cultivated, but due to lack of technical knowledge and unavailability of seed, people don’t have much production. For lac cultivation, this organization has financial support to its beneficiaries and advanced method of lack cultivation has been introduced. Training and exposures are being conducted to promote 'Madagascar Technology' of paddy cultivation.

Multifarious sewa projects has made Prerak a unique one.

Contact Sri Ramgulam SinhaPrerakOpp Govt Hospital, Ward No-1RajimDistrict-Raipur, Chhattisgarh, IndiaPin code – 493881 Tel/Fax: 07701- 235180, 09424218653, E-mail: [email protected]



Located at a distance of 40 km from Maharashtra’s cultural and educational hub Pune, Mulshi is miles away from the fruits of development. Though there is ample awareness about education, there are schools sans approach roads. It receives plenty of rainfall during rainy season but the residents do not easily get water even to drink throughout the year.

Determined to wipe out these lacunae from the life of the people of Mulshi, social activist Prof. Anil Vyas of Pune pondered over a concept of a service project which would ameliorate the condition of the people. He was supported in this idea by the residents of Kothrud area of Pune who assured all possible help to the project. Thus came in existence ‘Rashtriya Sarvangin Gramvikas Sanstha in 1995 which accommodated experts from various fields along with the social activists. The motto of the

organization was ‘the development of the country is directly linked to the development of the village’. It prepared a draft on making the village self-reliant and self sufficient and started working keeping in view four-fold objective of improving agriculture, education, healthcare and self-employment.

Jobs for womenWith a view to making the women of this village economically empowered the Sanstha started sewing, making pickle and other eatables like ‘papad’, and other materials. Sufficient training was provided to these women in this regard. These products were then sent to Pune during the annual ‘Bhimthadi ‘Mela and a market were carved out for them. Thus the first objective of providing earning opportunity to women was fulfilled. In addition to this self help groups were set up to inculcate the habit of saving among the women associated with this project. Today, there are 50 such self help groups running successfully.

Agriculture improvementThe life in rural areas is still dependent on rain fed agriculture. If they fail to improve the farming techniques commensurate with changing times, farming becomes a burden. In view this reality the

Rashtriya Sarvangin Gramvikas Sanstha, Mulshi


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sanstha organized training melas for the farmers along with construction of small bunds and amicus to make water available for farming purposes. The farmers were given training in regard to modern farming instruments and their use, organic farming, bio-fertilizers, nursery, etc. Students are also involved in this training process. The Sanstha had given attention to providing job opportunities to youths by arranging training in carpentry, masonry and mobile repairing etc.

Swami Vivekananda VidyalayaIn 1995 Swami Vivekananda Vidyalaya was established in Asade village with a view to providing proper education in this regard. 250 students from five villages located in this valley are studying in this school. The fees is just Rs 100/-. However, the school is granted one. Along with the regular syllabus, the students of standard 8 to 10 are given additional training in different vocations. For this the “IBT Vocational syllabus” prepared by Vigyan Ashram, Pabal is implemented. The syllabus includes

subjects like energy, engineering capability farming and animal rearing, home science and electrical etc. The students are immensely benefited in their higher studies. Eight students of this school are following their higher education in foreign countries now.

Training is also provided to them in audio-visual recording, video shooting and related matters along with computer training. Some of the trained students have prepared short documentaries and script for them was written by them only. This helps them in understanding the subject thoroughly. This project is felicitated by Indian Innovation Award.

Various competitions like sports and games, drawing, junior scientists etc. are regularly organized in school. The students of this school in a rural area have earned success in National Talent Search Examination.

HostelAll the villages in this region have primary schools but they have to turn to city for higher education. Sometimes these students have to traverse long distances and even cross hills and vales to reach schools. Considering these difficulties, the Sanstha has started two hostels – one in Male village and another at Shileshwar. Students studying in standard V to VII are housed in Male hostel while those studying in standard VIII to X are provided



accommodation at Shileshwar hostel. Another arrangement for girl students from 5th to 10th standard in made in another hostel at Shileshwar. It may be mentioned that all these three hostels are constructed on a land donated by charitable and philanthropic people of the locality. The requirements of students such as grains, school uniforms, clothes and other items are fulfilled by the common families of the region who have developed interest in social activities. Material is collected on every 10th day of the month from the donor families who consider donation to this hostel as a benevolent cause. They are overwhelmed to know that with their help life of one student is being shaped in a proper direction in this hostel.

Sanskar VargDue to speedy industrialization of Pune, the population of Pirangut near Mulshi has increased rapidly and with this the lifestyle of this village is also changed. In most of the families both father and mother have to go out for a job and they have a very busy schedule daily. Divided families and industrialization has affected the minds of the children adversely calling for inculcating good moral values in them to shape their personality in proper way. For this, the Sanstha started ‘Sanskar Varg’ (Informal school) in 2008 in Pirangut. This was the first of its kind in Pirangut. Later similar efforts were made in Sutarvadi and

Lavale villages. During this two-hour informal school the students are taught games, exercises, prayer, chorus, discussions, and home work given at the school besides resolving their problems. The results of this Sanskar varg are encouraging and people are getting attracted towards them in large numbers.

“RSGS” is role model for other voluntary organization in indentifying the needs of the people and in implementing the suitable projects successfully.

ContactProf Anil Vyas,A-1, Keshar Society, Paud Road,PUNE-411038 (Maharashtra, Bharat)Phone- 020-25464661, Cell- [email protected]


April 2015 | 83

Handicapped children are a great cause of concern for parents. Such parents have to carry the piles of sorrow on their head throughout their life. Their heart breaks at every moment while witnessing the fact that their children cannot lead a normal life like the other ones. Samvedana Rehabilitation Centre has come to the rescue of such children that enables them lead a normal life by boosting their confidence.

All parents have a dream that their child should excel in every walk of life. However, destiny plays a cruel game with some people. Suresh Patil is one such victim. His son was born with multiple physical disorders. However, instead of grieving over the issue, Mr and Mrs Patil began to discover the way through which their son can stand on his own feet. One thing they realized was that their son is not sick; he is disabled. Like various kinds of other disabilities, this can also be overcome and their son can also become self sufficient to a maximum extent. Patil couple initiated research in this direction and came to knew that their kid has been hit by cerebral palsy; a disorder caused by injuries or abnormalities of the brain. While thinking about the needs of their own child, Patil duo was moved by the plight of similar such affected children in the society. What can be done so that along with our own child, these children will

also get an equal right to live like the other normal children in the society ? This question struck their mind and this gave birth to a unique rehabilitation centre in the name ‘Samvedana’ for cerebral palsy-hit children.

With the confluence of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Jankalyan Samiti Maharashtra Prant and Vivekanand Medical Foundation & Research Centre, the foundation was laid for Samvedana Rehabilitation Centre for Physically Handicapped at Latur. At this school, these children get homely love; their passion for life is triggered and talents are rectified.

The school that was started along with just three children has a strength of 25 at present. There are a number of government run schools for handicapped but the number of schools for children hit by cerebral palsy is quite low. Taking this fact into account, Samvedana Rehabilitation Centre was opened.

Along with the education, they get one more important thing here and that is self sufficiency to stand on own feet. For this, their self confidence is boosted and physical stamina is increased. Children love to stay here because of the affection. They are treated with utmost care and belongingness.

Children come to school by a school van. After the prayer, Suryanamaskar

Samvedna triggering passion for life among handicapped



and other physical exercises are taught. As per the requirement of the individual child, massage and physiotherapy are given. Efforts are made so that the child can maintain his balance and stand on his own feet. With the help of walker or with somebody’s help, children become self sufficient to stand and walk slowly.

A lot of feelings are hidden in their heart but due to the lack of speech, those cannot be expressed. Hence, in order to get them expressed, speech therapy is given and that too through the medium of games and entertainment. By playing small and simple games, they learn to speak and recognize letters & numbers. Their tongue is very stiff and it’s indeed a Herculean task to make it flexible for utterance. However, with great patience, the teachers here accomplish this task and make these children earn the right to speak. Their thoughts are channelized so that they can easily express their feelings.

By showing various objects, they are taught to recognize colours and move the fingers. Because of this, slowly, their fingers start moving on the keyboard. Food is fed by the teachers

only. Teachers look after their meals with a great sense of belongingness.

After the classroom session is over, children are given the work of their own choice. This includes gardening, cleaning the premises, planting the saplings, watering the plants, etc through which they derive utmost pleasure. Each child works as per his physical capacity.

Teachers also render selfless service for the welfare of these kids. Earlier, the centre was run by Patil duo alone but now there are 8 to 10 teachers here. In spite of having their own children, they devote their precious time for teaching at the centre. Along with school, training is also necessary for these kids at their homes. Hence the counseling of parents is also done by the centre.

These children don’t want our sympathy or mercy; what they want is just our sensitivity towards them. Samvedana has boosted the confidence of such children to touch the sky who earlier did not even know to move their fingers also.

“Samvedana” is far beyond “Compassion”

ContactVivekanand Medical Foundation & Research CentreVidya Nagar Signal Camp, Latur- 41 35 12Maharashtra, IndiaPhone no: 02382-245901,/902/903, 9423076994Email:[email protected]


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Satkarma Shraddhashraya, located in Raigad district of Maharashtra has made vanavasi brethren realize their potential by initiating various welfare activities for the uplift of these brethren. Now these people have become self-reliant with appropriate utilization of resources found in abundant quantities in the forest region.

further adds to their miseries. Trapped in all these tentacles, they opt for any kind of work that can give them bread and also fall prey to malnutrition along with exploitation. The workers realized the gravity of the problem and decided to keep no stone unturned for their uplift.

All these people, giving due justice to their jobs chemical companies, gathered information from various places about these vanavasi brethren, thoroughly studied their requirements and started helping the organizations striving hard for the upliftment of vanavasis. Their welfare activities went on for 4-5 years. During this period, they realized that health is the prime cause of concern for these tribals and some concrete solution must be found out regarding the provision of healthcare facilities. Hence, they decided to work separately without taking assistance from any other organization. Some of them were completely retired by this period and were able to devote a lot of time for this work. They now started searching a suitable place for setting up the headquarters. The remote region of Dehrang, situated at a distance of 17 km from Panvel, inhabited by ‘Thakar’ vanavasi community, was selected for initiating the seva activities.

Since 1986, some doctors along with the karyakartas started visiting

Satkarma Shraddhashraya, Panvel

While travelling by train, one can see some tribals coming to the railway station for selling the forest produce. Sometimes, they earn a few pennies while many a times they return empty handed. When they did not earn, they might be compelled to sleep empty stomach. Some workers travelling by train were moved by their plight and vowed to work for their welfare.

Vanavasi brethren spend their entire life in combating problems such as insufficient land for farming, lack of education, no permanent source of income, etc. Health is also a major cause of concern. Superstitions are at the peak. Dearth of money



the region every Sunday. They used to conduct medical check-up and provide medicines to the vanavasis. Considering the need for proper medical aid and sound response of the vanavasis, karyakartas felt the need to establish an official organization and thus the foundation was laid for Satkarma Shraddhashraya.

Senior social worker and Nagar Parishad ex-president late Vyankatesh Jape donated his one-acre land in Dehrang region for this noble cause. Mauli Seva Sankul was thus erected. Zila Parishad schools were running in Dehrang region but the educational atmosphere was missing. Parents were engaged in masonry work for the entire day and children were told to remain at home itself. Therefore it was quite necessary to create educational environment for these children. Shraddhashraya selected 10 children and decided to bear the entire educational expenses of these students.

children. Residential arrangement was made at the Mauli Seva Sankul hostel. Efforts were initiated to make them self-reliant through the inculcation of sanskars. The children started regularly practicing suryanamaskars. Along with school education, their moral education also gained momentum.

Gaushala was started so that fresh milk could be provided to children for ensuring their sound heath. Barren cows are also looked after with affection. Gobar gas plant was erected for utilizing cow dung obtained regularly in large quantities. This also helped greatly in reducing the cost of fuel at the hostel. The surplus milk was used for manufacturing buttermilk. After surving this buttermilk to the hostel students, the remaining was fed to the cows. It was found that the milk yield was significantly increased. Ghee was also manufactured from the surplus milk. Ghee produced from the milk of Indian cow has a large demand in the market. Products such as go mutra (cow urine), massage oil, bathing soap, etc were manufactured that generated a good amount of money for the organization thereby helping in the expansion of its work. Vanavasis in the region also started realized the importance of gaushala as a source of income.

The region blessed with the boon of Mother Nature has an abundant reserve of medicinal herbs. Herbs

Shraddhashraya karyakartas provided parental care to these


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such as shatavari, tulsi, aloe vera, hibiscus, reetha, adulsa, etc have been scientifically cultivated and the locals have also been trained regarding the same. All these medicinal herbs have a great demand in the pharmacy market. This has created another avenue for employment generation. Aloe vera jelly manufactured by the Shraddhashraya has a lot of demand in the market. Trees such as mango, guava and custard apple are cultivated in large number. Honey is also extracted on a large scale. Shraddhashraya has tried its best to generate employment from the available resources in the region and thus solved the earning problem of the vanavasi brethren to a great extent.

A community hall has been constructed that is utilized for organizing various social and cultural programmes. Instead of visiting various places for providing healthcare facilities, health-camp is organized here itself on every Sunday for providing effective medical treatment.

Along with Mohanrao Bapat, two karyakartas are shouldering the responsibility of this noble work; one is a retired teacher and the another karyakarta, who stays here with his entire family, works round-the-clock for the Shraddhashraya. The number of karyakartas has also increased with the increase in workload. Though the vanavasis

have become self-reliant, still the list of their problems is quite long.

The Thakar vanavasi brethren are taken every care by Satkarma Shraddhashraya whether it is medical care, education or residential facility children, etc for uplifting them in every aspect.

ContactSatkarma ShraddhashrayaMauli Seva SankulTarwadi, Dehrang 41 02 06Post Vaje, Taluka Panvel, District Raigad(Maharashtra, India)2.) Bhagirathi, Plot no-72, Gandhi Nagar,Manpada RoadDombivalli (East) 421204Ph-0251-2448531,2448539Phone no: 09819282247,08879601460,0982097472Website: www.satkarma.blogspot.comEmail- [email protected] to reach -17 km from Panvel.



A doctor is God for human beings. However, of late, this profession is highly commercialized. Because of this, doctor’s fear has gripped the common man which is indeed a great cause of concern. Seven doctors from Aurangabad gave a serious consideration to this problem and established Babasaheb Ambedkar Medical Foundation for providing healthcare to underprivileged people at an affordable cost. Apart from this, they visited various seva bastis (slums) and initiated different projects for the welfare of these people. Savitribai Phule Mahila Ekatma Samaj Mandal was established through which an awakening regarding health, hygiene and education was brought among people.

In order to provide the best medical

treatment to common people at an optimum cost and treat economically backward people residing in slums, Babasaheb Ambedkar Medical Foundation was established at Aurangabad in the year 1988. In next six months, Guruvarya Lahuji Salve Health Centre was established at Milind Nagar and the stream of medical development was thus made to flow through seva bastis. Creating health awareness among these people was the first step initiated by the institute.

After a detailed study of these seva bastis, the first and foremost thought that struck their mind was that healthcare training and primary education are must for women. Hence the awareness was created among women regarding

Savitribai Phule Mahila Ekatma Samaj, Aurangabad


April 2015 | 89

their health. Primary education and health-related training was given. Within a short period of time, women started paying attention towards their health and also became more concerned towards the health of their family members. They also started realizing that children should also be educated in order to become a responsible citizen of tomorrow. In order to catalyze this entire work, the institute established an organization named Savitribai Phule Mahila Ekatma Samaj Mandal.

A dire need was felt to establish harmony among women. With this view in mind, various projects for welfare of women were initiated. Women self-help group was established. Tailoring training was given to women working in seva bastis. With this training, girls earned money and utilized it for their studies. Women initiated farming activities in rural areas by establishing self help groups and thus gave employment to their sisters in villages. Through

all such programmes, women in the surrounding region are striving together for development in today’s date.

The institute was primarily started for mothers and children. Nurseries are run in which each and every kid is nurtured as a human being. Sevavratis (dedicated karyakartas) devote a few hours of their daily routine for the nursery with a great sense of belongingness.

The journey just did not stop here. Apart from this, people were confronting a lot many problems. Hence a number of projects were undertaken for all round development of the people. For youths in seva bastis, Vidyarthi Vikas Prakalp (students’ welfare project) was undertaken. Under this project, students are groomed while providing them utmost healthcare. The success graph is such that two of them have now become doctors. However, it has been found that some of such students don’t have the flair for education at all. To ensure that such students did not lose track, they were given training in civil construction so as to earn their living.

Kishori Vikas Prakalp was started for girls. Girls are given all type of education through Yoga, Anatomy and Psychology. This project has not just been kept limited to the girls of seva bastis but it has also been implemented in the rural areas. Through Sanganak Pragya



programme, youths are given training in computers. Employment-oriented training is also provided.

The work of the institute doesn’t remain confined to health and education but it was also extended to farming. Various innovative activities were implemented for farmers; right from the agricultural, methods up to the mechanization, the institute greatly helped farmers in professional enhancement. For taking care of the cattle, Gokulam Pashudhan Aarogyasathi Prakalp was initiated.

Sapling plantation programme was implemented for maintaining ecological balance. Through Sanjeevani Clinic, healthcare work is going in full swing in the surrounding villages. In order to provide healthcare facilities at every place, volunteers were given ‘Arogya Mitra’ training by Niramay Health Training School. These Arogya Mitras have served as bridge between villagers and the institute. At present, 400 students are rendering their valuable services as Arogya Mitras in various villages.

The dedication of medical practitioners to start such institution, first in health sector, then in other sectors for overall development of inhabitants of Bastis is commendable.

ContactDr Divakar KulkarniDr Hedgewar Hospital, GarkhedaAurangabad-43 10 05Maharashtra, IndiaPhone no: 0240-2331195, 9822435531Email: [email protected]


April 2015 | 91

Shanthi, the unfortunate widow barely in her early 20s is now a very happy woman. Married to a very understanding partner Somalingam, Shanthi entered a new life courtesy Seva Bharhi, Tamil Nadu (South). Same is the case with Kalarani and Anitha.

In the suburbs of Nagerkovil town there is a small village called Sarakkalvilai. Shanthi (23) who was a widow having a three-year-old female child, used to stay here with her mother Bhathirakali who was a member of the Buvaneswari SHG managed by Seva Bharthi.

The SHG members deliberated upon her plight and decided to do something that would bring a new hope in her life. In one of their weekly meetings they decided to arrange for her remarriage. Everything was planned and executed in a fantastic way. Shanthi entered a new life with an understanding partner Somalingam. The SHGs funded and organized the marriage function. The people of the village were astonished by this activity of the SHG and extended all their support. During the visit of the Sewa Bharati office-bearer the mother of Shanthi, Smt Bathirakali, was in tears while describing the incident.

In a village called Aramannam near Kulasekaram the incident was even more appalling. One widow lived in Aramannam working as an agriculture labor and her two adolescent daughters, namely Kalarani and Anitha, worked in a private firm in Andhra Pradesh. She died of cancer leaving behind the two daughters as orphans after spending

all her earnings on her treatment. The two daughters who came to take care of their mother in the hospital were left with nothing but the corpse of their mother. There was nobody to help even for the funeral.

The Sewa Bharati SHG members took the initiative and arranged for the funeral of the deceased after performing all the last rites. They arranged for the girls a safe place for the livelihood with suitable jobs. The SHG members took all initiatives to arrange for their marriages also. One Panchayat member of the locality took the lead and with the generous contributions from all the SHGs across the District and various other organizations the marriage of Kalarani was arranged with Iyappan.

Helping the needy is another important social change that is happening almost every day in the district through SHGs. Financial assistance for the sick persons, accident victims, victims of calamities like fire accidents, have become a normal routine for the SHGs.

Seva Bharati Then-Tamilnadu has shown the way how good human relation & compassion can be built by SHGs which is beyond financial gains & self reliance.

ContactSeva Bharathi ThenTamil NaduSeva Bharathi-Then Tamilnadu, 96, Vasanth Nagar Airport P.O., Trichirapally 620007, Tamilnadu [email protected], [email protected] Ph.No: 0431-2341574, 04651-223822,9443531994, 9486102671

Sewa Bharati kindles new hopes of life for Shanthi, Kalarani & Anitha



was so impressed at the progress of the hostel at Dabra that he donated Rs 15 lakhs in three installments for the construction work.

The first floor measuring 10000 sq ft was constructed at a cost of Rs 50 lakh which was made available by the then MP Yashodhara Raje Scindia and the then Rajya Sabha Member Kaptan Singh Solanki. Sarkaryavah of RSS Shri Suresh alias Bhayyaji Joshi inaugurated the newly constructed building ‘Sevadham’ on December 18, 2010. But the absence of Vishnuji- the moving figure was felt as he had left this mortal world on May 23, 2009 after a prolonged illness in Delhi.

This hostel provides accommodation

Sewa Bharti Hostel for boys at Dabra, Gwalior

The drive from Gwalior to Dabra is not very long but it is more interesting because of the natural beauty surrounding the serpentine road and lush green scenery.

Sewa Bharti residential boys school at Dabra was started on July 10, 2003 in a rented house. Initially the strength of the school was 35 janjati boys studying in class VI to VIII. In 2006, another bigger house was taken on rent as the number of students increased. But in view of continuous rise in the number of students, it was decided to purchase a plot of land measuring two acres. But the real problem was raising funds for construction of the hostel. Late Vishnuji, who was the main inspiration behind these projects, used all his skills and resources to encourage the local RSS workers to collect funds for the hostel. However, they got a modern ‘Bhamashah’ in US-based Pankaj Maheshwari, a software engineer who had come to Gwalior to perform the last rites of father. He

to students coming from Sahariya janjati of Madhya Pradesh. Like the Biagas, this janjati is also declared as ‘endangered’ by the state government and special efforts are being undertaken by the state government to save them from extinction. The Sahariyas


April 2015 | 93

are a designated ‘primitive’ janjati community, which comprises nearly 4% of the tribal population of Madhya Pradesh. As such they are ‘protected’ janjati and enjoy special status. The major concentration of this janjati is found in the mountains of the state. These people prefer to maintain fewer contacts with the outside world in order to keep their originality intact. They trace their origin from Shabari of the Ramayan. They worship Goddess Tejaji, Dhakar Baba, Durga, Hanuman, Lalbai and Bejasan. Savni Amavasya, Janmashtami, Raksha Bandhan, Deepavali, Holi and Teja Dashmi are some among the major festivals celebrated by them.

Presently there are 178 students from 49 villages studying in standard 6 to 10th following the syllabus of the MP State Board. Eight teachers are engaged in teaching them. That they are as brilliant as any other normal children was proved beyond doubt when they obtained 100 per cent result in board examinations.

This hostel has played an important role in transforming the society. The students have registered a negative trend towards consumption of meat and drinks. They have developed a liking for education. The members of the managing committee visit the parents of the students which have led to initiating the process of social mixing and harmony. Regular parents meetings are held in the hostel in which the parents of

these students participate in large number.

Thousands & thousands of vanavasi children are given free education with free hostel facility in hundreds of places, which makes a silent revolution through education & thereby brings prosperity to these vanavasis.

Contact

Vanvasi Awaasiya High SchoolSewa Bharati, Madhya BharatSewadham Nagar,Dabra, Dist: Gwalior(Mashya Pradesh, India)Phone: 07524- 223964How to reachDabra is 42 Km from Gwalior



school at 9 am and stay their till 4.30 pm. In the evening they participate in the RSS shakha in a nearby basti and then pursue their studies after the regular evening prayers before the dinner.

Three workers look after the hostel management and especially take care of the boys, inculcate in them good moral values and help them in facing and solving problems. They take utmost care to provide a family like atmosphere to the students. Shri Mansa Ramji, who is a caring grandpa of the boys, is taking care of the inmates Through this hostel,regular service is provided to the patients of Solan District Hospital besides organizing health check up camps from time to time. The hostel has a vehicle which is donated by Sewa Bharati Jammu.

ContactShantiniketan ChhatrawasKothi No. 15, Charing Cross,Dagshai, District Solan-173210(Himachal Pradesh, Bharat)Phone- 01792-266276/266231, 09817043787, [email protected] to Reach60 kms from Chandigarh on Chandigarh Shimla route

Shantiniketan Chhatrawas: A center of service and sanskars

Dagshai, a place situated at the height of 5000 ft. in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh-the land of Gods- is a beautiful place to visit once in lifetime. The Indian Army has its cantonment here. Sewa Bharati, Himachal Pradesh runs a hostel- Shantiniketan Chhatrawas for poor, destitute and helpless boys where students studying in standard II to X are accommodated. These students belong to remote and inaccessible areas of the state. They mostly come from Dodrakyar and Nerwa of Shimla district, Bari of Kinnore district, Jasorgarh of Chamba district, Shilla, Lanacheta of Sirmour and Chhota Bhangal (Barot) of Mandi district. Some of these areas are covered with ice for most part of the year.

The hostel was started on March 9, 2008 with 14 students. Now their number is 30 but till now 100 students have passed out from this hostel. Sewa Bharati bears the expenses of these students for lodging, boarding, education etc. Sewa Internatinal and some local philanthropists extend their valuable help and assistance to Sewa Bharati in running this hostel.

The day begins for the boys at 5 am with Ekatmata Stotram and studies. They go to


April 2015 | 95

punctuality, prayers, group songs, and yogasanas.

They are also told about the cultural panorama of our society and stories of patriotic sons and daughters of Mother Bharat are also told to them. They develop good relations with their friends and pay respects to their parents and teachers. They, thus develop reverence for cultural values. All these positive results have convinced the organizers of the need to expand the facet of social work.

The efforts of these street children have been appreciated by the society on a number of occasions. Even Delhi Chief Minister Sheela Dixit rewarded the children for their creativity.

At present this project is run at six places with an enrolment of 450

Street Children Project, DelhiChildren Project’. Children who used to dwell on streets begging for bread are now living a life filled with self-respect at Sewa Bharati's Keshav Sewa Kendra. Their lives are enlightened by education and they have understood the real meaning of life. It is housed in Keshav Sewa Kendra, Dilshad Garden, Delhi on the other bank of the river Yamuna. It was started to provide education as well as some vocational training to children of poor slum or pavement dwellers.

About 6,000 people reside in this

colony and most of them are rickshaw pullers, labourers, beggars, sweepers, etc. Many children also struggle for bread along with their parents. Some kids dance as jokers at traffic signals, some are engaged in boot polish, some sweep the streets while some just beg on roads.

After one year’s coaching some of these children got admitted in nearby Government or Corporation schools.

These children are oriented to develop finer values of life and adopt healthy habits. Stress is laid on cleanliness and



children from the nearby slums. Ministry of Women and Child Welfare supports this project financially by providing 90 per cent grants while Sewa Bharati adds 10 per cent contribution.These centers are located at:-

1. Keshav Sewa Kendra, Dilshad Vihar, Kalandar Colony, Delhi- 110095

2. Lal Bagh Jhuggi Colony, Under Shahdara Fly Over, Shahdara, Delhi- 110092

3. 6/389, Khichripur, Delhi- 1100914. Basti Vikas Kendra, Chitra Vihar, Delhi5. Maharana Pratap Sewa Kendra,

East Gokul Puri, Delhi-1100946. Saraswati Bal Mandir,

Jhandewalan, Near Jhandewalan Mata Mandir, Delhi-110055.

The programs Seva Bharati plans for the future include creation of Care Center in various extensions in other slums or sewa bastis as they prefer to call; identifying areas which have concentration of neglected children; non-formal education centers; vocational and job-oriented training; comprehensive personality development programs and camps and, awareness building with regard to consequences of drinking, drugs etc.

The vision that works behind this unique project is ensuring physical, mental and moral sound health and well being of every child; inculcating in them cultural values and molding their character; strengthening

the relationship of children with other children, his family and the community and, restoring the children’s relationship with their own families when required and when possible.At present, Seva Bharati makes arrangements for free education to these children; provision of school uniforms and other educational material and needs; training in skills, crafts and arts and health supervision and training. The motto of this project is “We care for our own children. Can we step in and help a few homeless children? This will make our own children more considerate and responsive towards society,”In our country the number of children in slums is increasing day-by-day. There is every possibility that given the environment of the slums, these children are likely to fall prey to the anti-social elements and become a threat to the society. As responsible citizens, there is definitely a lot we can do for them. We could step in and embrace these children and help them lead a life we dream for ourselves. These children are future of our country and could contribute greatly if given an opportunity. This is the rationale and motive behind starting this Street Children Project.

ContactSeva Bharati (Street Children Project)Keshav Sewa Kendra, Dilshad GardenDelhi- 11 00 95(New Delhi, India)Phone: 011-23742334,23345014Email- [email protected],Website: - www.sewabharti.org


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Yerwada is one of the lesser-developed areas of Pune and has a population of more than 4 lakh. There are 35 sevavastis with a population of approximately 1,75,000. The issues faced by the inhabitants of these sevavastis (slums) are many and varied in nature. It is observed that there is a total lack of financial security, education, moral and cultural values as well as health awareness in these sevavastis. Established in 2001, Surajya Sarvangin Vikas Prakalp is working in the sevavastis of Yerwada and its surrounding areas for the upliftment of these people so as to make them understand the real meaning of life.

Karyakartas are working in the sevabastis such as Jayprakash Nagar at Yerwada, Darawde Mala and Keraba Vasti at Koregaon

Park, Sanjay Park at Viman Nagar, Ekta Nagar and Bhim Nagar at Vishrantwadi, Ambedkar Nagar and Khulewadi at Chandan Nagar, Lower Prem Nagar and Upper Prem Nagar at Market Yard. Starting with 6 sevabastis in 2001, now in 2011, Surajya has widened its network in 10 sevavastis. Following activities are carried out:

AbhyasikaSchool-going children living in sevabastis are deprived of the environment conducive to study. Study guidance centres or ‘Abhyasikas’ make a sincere effort to heal this problem. Children have started performing better in studies and this eventually helps them to get admissions to good colleges to get quality education.

Efforts are made to ensure that

Surajya Sarvangin Vikas Prakalp, Pune



children attend school regularly. Abhyasikas are held everyday for students from standard 1 to standard 10. Every year, a total of about 1100 students from these sevavastis enroll in Surajya classes. Students of all standards are taught Mathematics, English and Science for an hour. Last year, a large percentage of students were able to score more than 75% marks in their exams. Special tuition classes and lectures are also held for the students of 10th standard . In the academic year 2009-2010, 51 out of 55 students of 10th standard, passed with flying colours.

Sanskar KendraSurajya organises personality development camps for children from 7th to 10th standard , where they are taught awareness of what is good and, the role of an individual in the development of his/her area, identity as an Indian citizen, patriotic songs, inspirational stories about our historic icons, various arts and crafts and awareness about their own potential. Grammar lessons, moral lessons, meals and police week are also held regularly especially for 10th standard students.

Kishori PrakalpAdolescent girls living in sevavastis face various problems such as lack of employment due to illiteracy, lack of proper guidance, etc. There are a lot of unanswered questions regarding their physical as well as emotional changes. They suffer

from depression due to lack of freedom at home. Also, since they are married at a very young age, they are forced to assume family responsibilities too early. They really have no knowledge of reasons of changes in behavioural pattern, the legal and right age for marriage, how and whom to choose as their life partner. Nor do they realize the responsibility and importance of being a woman. 'Surajya' ensures weekly visits by a doctor at all the sevabastis. Also, free health check-up camps are conducted regularly.

Mahila Bachat GroupSelf Help Group (SHG) is not just a tool of economic improvement. It is an activity that lets women come together and have the confidence to earn. Being an earning member changes the woman’s status in family. SHG becomes the accelerator of social change at micro-level.

A woman in SHG is supported by her fellow group members even in her family emergencies. SHG is an institution of community cohesion. It is much more than just a micro-credit group.

The basic aim of this group is to encourage the habit of saving money, which in turn ensures financial independence of the women. This boosts their morale and increases their self-esteem. Their husbands and families respect them, and there is a marked improvement in their standard of living as a result of


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their savings.

As of date, there are 40 such groups as well as 3 women’s’ associations in Surajya. There are total 780 women in these groups. Besides micro financing activity, various issues of health, family, childcare are also discussed and

tackled during monthly meetings of the groups.

Health campAwareness about basic hygiene and sanitation helps in preventing many diseases. Communities groups can be inspired to motivate their members follow hygienic practices in cooking and eating. The awareness campaigns cover simple issues like cutting nails, washing hands, using a mosquito-net, etc and also take up grave issues like HIV and TB.

The overall development of inhabitants of Seva Bastis bring in real social transformation and the working of “Surajya” in this direction is commendable.

Contact:Surajya Sarvangin Vikas PrakalpShop no 23-24, Surbhi ComplexMH HSG Board,YerwadaPune-411006 (Maharashtra, India)Phone no: +91-20-64009644E-mail :- [email protected] person: Vijay [email protected]@gmail.com



Swaroopvardhini is a leading social organization working in the slums of Pune. The circumference of its work is not just constrained to regular school curriculum, but it aims at grooming the latent talent among youths to utilize it for the upliftment of downtrodden sections of the society.

Late Kishabhau Patwardhan from Mangalwar Peth locality in eastern Pune initiated this noble work and the same is going on since several years for marching towards the goal of self-reliance. Swaroopvardhini has done a commendable work of uplifting people from this locality who were earlier deprived of primary facilities such as health, education and shelter. This institute has created over 50 Class II officers who have now earned a respectable position in the society.

Being a teacher by blood, Kishabhau realized that the children in these seva bastis have got a lot of talent, but they lack proper guidance. If their talent is not tapped at correct time, they may get indulged into unfair practices. For this, the ship of their life must be diverted towards the

lighthouse of education. Education-related atmosphere must be provided. Realizing this, an abhyasika (study room) was opened in one of the corporation schools. Slowly, the karyakartas revealed that mere studies are not sufficient. The all round development of children is also necessary. Improvement in the conduct will lead to the improvisation of slums. Hence the karyakartas framed a unique education pattern in the name Swaroopvardhini Shakha. In this session, various activities have been divided into hours. First hour is devoted to physical exercise. Various Indian games are played regularly that tone the entire body and maintain its fitness level. Through various patriotic songs, a feeling of gratitude towards nation is inculcated among students so as to maintain the social harmony.

After this, study hour is held in which students are not taught but asked to study themselves and question teachers. This inculcates the habit of self-study among students. Teachers maintain a record of their progress, communicate with parents and inform them about the development of their wards.

Mobile library and laboratory are also run so that the rural students should also reap the benefits of Swaroopvardhini schemes. This has helped in the propagation of modern science and knowledge among the villages surrounding

Swaroopvardhini, Pune; creating idols from the idle


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Pune. Rural students have now also got an opportunity to read the literature of their choice.

Observing the plight of children in these slums, balwadi was opened for sowing the seeds of education. Balwadi that was started with just 20 kids has now a strength of 350 which itself is the witness to the fact that the development has been catalyzed in the region.

After this, the institute widened its sphere of work. The life of women in slums is unstable and dependent. In order to overcome this problem, efforts have been initiated to make them self-reliant by providing vocational training. Because of the poor economic condition and family responsibilities, girls in these seva bastis

started a unique home nursing course without setting the clause for SSC. This course is taught free of charge to girls. Till now, over 1500 girls have successfully completed this course that was initiated by Madam Kalba.

cannot study further. Failure in class 10 closes all the doors for further studies. Their future goes dark. Realizing this problem, Swaroopvardhini provided them training in home nursing so as to earn their bread and stand on own feet. Nowadays, with the rise in the number of patients, demand for home nurses has increased. Therefore these girls get sure shot employment.

For nursing training, SSC or HSC is the minimum qualification. Also, a lot of fees is charged at private training institutes. Hence Swaroopvardhini

The well-disciplined band (dhol pathak) of Swaroopvardhini is famous all over Maharashtra. Apart from the recital, management and communication skills are also reflected through their team. This band has set an ideal before the other bands in Pune city as a result of which the Ganeshotsav procession regained its traditional glory that was diminished in the wave of DJ. Free MPSC guidance centre was started keeping in view the need of the students.

‘Service of the underprivileged is the real service to God. Let Bharatmata be your deity for next 100 years. ’ This message of Swami Vivekanand has been put into practice by Swaroopvardhini. The work of sorting diamonds from the darkness is in full swing.

ContactShirish Patwardhan22/1, Mangalwar Peth, Parje ChowkPune- 41 10 11, Maharashtra, IndiaPhone no: 020-26121704/26134310, 09011386386Email - [email protected], [email protected]



With an aim to rehabilitate the orthopaedically handicapped children, Society For The Welfare of Differently-Abled Persons (Physically Handicapped) Education And Research Centre (SWPH & RC) is striving hard since 1956 so as to help them lead a normal life. The institute is unique and is the only organization of its kind in India.

All children at SWPH & RC are given educational and pre-vocational training so that they can grow up and become self-reliant citizens in future. Primary schooling up to standard 6 is available within the campus and remaining students are sent to normal school in the vicinity, up to standard 10.

The society has its own workshop to manufacture and repair the prosthesis and orthotic aids for children. Pre-vocational programmes like electrician and wireman courses, computer training, tailoring, carpentry, handicraft, etc are run so that the students get

some kind of employment when they leave the institution after attaining the age of 18. A well equipped computer lab having 20 sets of computers for providing computer and IT education is also available.

Hostel facility is provided in the campus, with total 250 single beds available in 4 halls. There are 2 separate wings for girls and boys of 125 capacities each. Visitors are prevented from entering the girls/boys wings without prior permission of hostel matron /warden. Being a parental institution for the disabled, a special attention is given towards food which includes breakfast and two meals a day absolutely free of cost.

The society encourages children to learn a number of handicrafts. They also learn skills like making of chalks, candles, soap powder, agarbatti, perfumes, etc. Thus they make a variety of beautiful articles, which not only provide them a livelihood but also give them great artistic satisfaction. The society exhibits and sells these articles at a very low cost through its exhibition cum sale counter.

Rich cultural values are imbibed in these children by celebrating national and social festivals including ‘World Disabled Day.’ The institution

SWPH & RC taking care of orthopaedically handicapped children


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conducts various sports and personality development activities that transforms these disabled children into complete human beings. Thus working with an aim of rehabilitation of the disabled and restoration of their dignity, SWPH & RC obviously becomes complete and caring home for these children.

In the year 2006, the then President of India and Youth Icon Honorable Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, visited the institution & appreciated the efforts put in by the institution. He also had an interaction with students.

Kudos to “SWPH & RC” for preparing the inmates as bold, sans complex & self reliant citizens of India.

ContactSociety for The Welfare of Differently-Abled Persons(Physically Handicapped), Education and Research CentreWanawadiPune- 411040 (Maharashtra, India)Email: [email protected], [email protected].: 020-26820987/1653, 9890117234www.swph.org



Torana Rajgad Parisar Samajonnati Nyas (TRPSN) has brought a drastic change in the living conditions of the people residing in the region surrounding Maharashtra’s historic Torana and Rajgad forts. Inspired by the noble work of RSS, TRPSN has tasted success in satisfying the basic needs of education and healthcare in the remote Velhe block of Pune district.

for implementing the projects of integrated development.

In order to bring out integrated development, ‘integration’ and ‘development’ are the two goals that are to be achieved simultaneously. Development without integration will not sustain for a long time and integration without development will be useless. Keeping this view in mind, TRPSN initiated various projects in education, health, self-employment, women empowerment and agricultural sectors.

Illiteracy is the root cause of all the problems prevailing in the tribal belts. Children and youths from tribal regions do not have sufficient educational infrastructure and hence in spite of having a lot of talent, they remain deprived of their basic rights. Accommodation is another cause of concern for them as they cannot afford to stay in the hostels located in cities. Hence a hostel was started for these children in the year 1986 and at present 50 inmates are there. Efforts are on for its expansion so as to accommodate more number of students. Apart from the hostel, there are support services of sponsorship for educational expenses for the students. The trust organizes frequent visits of teachers from Pune who share their expertise with the students. A library having approx

Torana Rajgad Parisar Samajonnati Nyas, Velhe

The two forts viz Torana and Rajgad hold a special significance from historical point of view. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who strived hard to free the nation from the evil clutches of Mughlas and made saffron flag hoist with pride, had conquered Torana fort at the age of just 16 and gifted it to his mother Jija mata. This was the first feather to his crown and then the stream of victory continued. Similarly, fort Rajgad was the first capital of Hindavi Swarajya from where the entire Maratha kingdom used to function. Hence, the region surrounding these two forts was chosen by the nyas


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2500 books is run to encourage reading habit among children.

In order to provide effective healthcare, a team of local youths has been constituted. Local youths from 14 villages are trained in dispensing first aid & other useful medicines looking to the primary symptoms of the patients. These Gram Aarogya Rakshaks have effectively made villagers fight diarrhoea and skin diseases such as scurvy. Nursing equipments are provided for house hold patients.

Trust annually conducts Torana Mahotsav for remembrance of the historical memories of the fort. People from nearby villages participate in rallies, speeches and competitions that are organized on this occasion. School teams present their traditional games. Youth are encouraged for unity and pursuit of strength. Shivshahir Babasaheb Purandare has attended and praised this event.

the benefit of visitors. TRPSN is a registered charitable trust that works purely on a voluntary basis without any government grant and depends entirely upon its members, donors and well wishers regarding funds. Hence for the philanthropist donors in the society, TRPSN which is doing yeomen service to uplift the tribal children as the good citizens of the country and are the best possible and deserving option for donation.

Apart from education and healthcare, self-help groups have also been constituted. A detailed map of Torana fort is displayed for

ContactTorana Rajgad Parisar Samajonnati Nyas (TRPSN) Post Velhe, Taluka Velhe, District Pune- 41 22 12(Maharashtra, India)Phone no: 02130- 221450 Contact person: Uday PurandareMobile no: 09921096905 Email : [email protected]



domestic and other complicated issues have been addressed by Udyogvardhini, the intervention has helped fast resolution and relief.

Self Help GroupSelf Help Group helps women to save money in their daily routine, which collectively acts as a sufficient resource to fund each other. Trifle financial requirement of these women can be fulfilled by SHG; else for any financial need they had to depend upon the moneylender which ultimately lands them up in a vicious cycle.

Small savings are collectively deposited in a bank account specially opened for SHG. Depending upon the collected funds and their financial transactions within group, these groups are then extended further financial and other support to venture any business activity. Many of the rural women have gained a sense of achievement even by saving a small amount.

Micro EntrepreneurshipUdyogvardhini had succeeded in supporting various individual women and self help groups to grow up as an entrepreneur. Cottage Industries which can be started within domestic resources are encouraged by Udyogvardhini. Training for various opportunities is organized on a regular basis. Support in terms of managing the activity

Udyogvardhini' discovering entrepreneurship talent among women

A woman has to play multiple roles in a family. Everybody looks forward with a great hope that a woman can recuperate a family from any circumstances. When Chandrika Chouhan was the corporator at Solapur Municipal Corporation, she used to inspire women to get indulged into activities which will improve their standard of living and supported to implement various governmental schemes as well. Later on, this initiative created a huge impact upon society and many women got associated with Udyogvardhini for their own benefit. Today, more than 7000 women are associated with Udyogvardhini, and they have a feeling of having one family; a family that cares about everyone in the society.

Udyogvardhini has become a new hope for women in Solapur and is the only women's team efficient enough to extend all possible help required by any individual. Till date several


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along with further development and marketing is also extended.

Till date, more than 600 women are running various business activities in Solapur. Lokmangal group which owns a chain of retail outlets and malls, support in terms of distribution of the products made by SHGs.

Economic EmpowermentFinance plays a vital role in today's fast moving world, especially for women who manage the whole family. Generally the sole bread earner in family is a male, but the domestic requirements are encountered by women. A woman has to play smart in terms of expenses by prioritizing things depending upon the nature.

Concurrently, if the woman has her own source of income which would add up to the family income, then it would definitely act as a supplement. Through various initiatives, Udyogvardhini has provided an opportunity for many women to earn some extra money by making use of skills and knowledge, in their spare time.

Support for deprived womenOn various situations a women is found unaccompanied, isolated and challenged due to domestic and social problems. Udyogvardhini, with the help of Pakhar Sankul, which is a sister organization, extends all possible legal and other support to deprived women. Counselling and if

required, even legal aid is provided by the organization.

TrainingSelf employment training is provided in trades such as beauty parlour, bhaakri making, book binding, catering, fire wood selling, grocery, tailoring, groundnut chutney making, gift items, handicrafts, etc. 25 women per batch get the training in quilt making, provided they should know basic tailoring work. A quilt measuring 6 ft x 6 ft is completed in 2 days, but the batch completes 45 quilts in just 45 days which is remarkable. All these quilts are exported to US and UK. Besides this, training is also provided in chalk making, incense sticks making, cookery, dress material, rangoli, etc.

“Chandrika Ji” is role model for others who are having compassion for orphans & who take a lead role in service activities to start multifarious service activities for women empowerment to suit the needs of different sections.

ContactUdyogvardhini157 Dakshin kasaba shri shobhasai maharaj math, Datta chowk, Solapur 413007(Maharashtra, India)Phone no. - 9422069455, 9422026242, 9370066670Email: [email protected] , [email protected], [email protected],www.udhyogvardhini.org



and trained but also provided sufficient opportunities to lead an independent life. The Ashram has also taken up the responsibility to arrange and conduct marriages for the inmate girls. Already 16 girls are got married and they are happy in their in -law’s house.

2. Vaidehi Kishori Vikas Yojana(Development Project for Adolescent Girls)

Under this Project 50 slum areas have been selected to impart training in various aspects for adolescent girls with special emphasis on education, health and hyygine, cultural development and samskars.

3. Vaidehi Mahila Vikas Samithi(Development project for women)

Under this Project Women in poverty are given training in skill such As usage of computer, fashion designing and embroidery work so as to make them economically better.

In the campus of the Samithi social, culturaland spiritual programs are conducted regularly so as develop the girls into perfect women.

Contact:Vaidehi Ashram17-1, 473/V/3 and 4Krishna Nagar, SaidabadHyderabad, 500059Phone no: 040-24075544, 040-24610056, 9866181573Email: [email protected] site: www.vaidehiashram.org

Vaidehi Ashram, a home for destitute girls

It is very difficult to have a cultured and secured future for destitute. The problem aggravates further in case of girls. Seva Bharati has established Vaidehi Ashram at Hyderabad for such destitute girls.

The foundation for the Ashram was laid in 1993 along with three girls.

1. Vaidehi Ashram for Homeless GirlsNow there are 150 girls in the Ashram. The Ashram looks after their residence, food and education. The girls are studying from Classes LKG to 10th in Sri Saraswati Shishu Mandir High School. Twenty two are pursuing Higher Education in Engineering Polytechnic and Degree Colleges Apart from this formal education they are also taught fine arts like music, painting, Dance, and handicrafts like tailoring, embroidery and Screen Painting. Physical Exercises like karate and yogasan are regularly practised. They are also exposed to special personality development courses. Daily one hour shakha of Rashtra Sevika Samithi is also held which help them to acquire courage, patriotism and an attitude of service to needy people. Thus the residents of the Ashram are given training for the over all development and enable them to be responsible citizens of free India.

The girls are not only well educated


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Going to school is still a distant dream for children residing in the remote tribal regions of the country. These regions that are cut off from the urban areas and deprived of basic facilities such as health, hygiene, education, etc need a helping hand for their upliftment. Vikas Bharti karyakartas have helped these children fulfill their dream of availing the education so as to uplift their standard of living for earning a respectable place in the society.

Vikas Bharti, Jharkhand has established various schools for educating these tribal brethren and the efforts have now started yielding fruits. These schools are helping the tribal children to stand on their feet and become responsible citizens of tomorrow. Karyakartas along with the mutual co-operation of villagers are working day and night for the all round development of these children.

Shram Niketan: This institution provides education from Class I to V

and also known as ‘On Job Training School’ which provides vocational training to orphans and children from Primitive Tribe Groups. These children are provided accommodation with all basic facilities and are provided academic and non-academic education at the same centre. Vikas Bharti also provides financial and emotional support to these kids. Vikas Bharti tries to develop them as a change agent for the society who can work with and for their community.

A large number of pass out girls and boys are engaged in self-employment and a source for behavioral change for the community and nation.

Jatra Tana Bhagat Vidya Mandir: This school was established in the year 1988. The basic concept was to provide qualitative education to rural tribal children who can hardly afford public school education of the urban area. Now they are getting academic support from class I to VIII. Qualified,

Vikas Bharti, Jharkhand’s various educational projects



trained and committed rural teachers are engaged for nurturing these tribal children. Vikas Bharti always tries to bring innovation for overall development of the children as well as teachers. Training for teachers on subject wise teaching skills and management is organized from time to time. The school has a well equipped infrastructure in the form of its own building, playground and residential facilities. Initially, it started with donations and nominal tuition fees but now it is partially supported by Sarva Siksha Abhiyan.

Koleshwar Nath Vidya Mandir: This school that provides education from from class I to VIII was established in 1988 besides Koel River in Bishunpur village. The objective behind this school is to provide qualitative education in an Ashram mode in natural atmosphere so that the rural children feel comfortable during learning process. Teachers are also trained to use nature as a teaching tool to enhance the knowledge and interest of children. Generally, local teachers are employed for primary classes in order to have a proper communication among teachers and children, which creates a healthy atmosphere in the school. Cultural activities, sports, yoga, vocational training, Judo-Karate are regular features of this school. A specifically designed education calendar & daily routine has been developed by the experts of Vikas Bharti to provide interactive and fruitful learning. Students visit different schools for exposure and quality enhancement.

Shaktiman Vidyalaya Chingri: This is a special school for physically handicapped children who are imparted formal education along with treatment for minimizing the extent of their disability and specially designed vocational courses. This empowers them to be self-reliant and taking up self-employment after going out from the school. Education is provided from class I to V.

Adim Janjatiya Balika Prathmik Vidyalaya: This is a residential school for Primitive Tribe Group Girls from class I to V. It was established in 2008 and is supported by Tribal Welfare Department, Government of Jharkhand. Identification of girls from primitive tribe groups; community awareness on education; management of school and girls are some of the activities undertaken by the school.

It is the efforts of organizations like Vikas Bharati. Which has yielded fruits in bringing tribal brethren to the mainstream and to be at par with others.

Contact1. Vikas Bharti Head OfficeBlock- Bishunpur, P S Bishunpur,Dist. – Gumla, Jharkhand 835331, IndiaPhone: +91-6523 - 278306, 278356Fax: +91-6523 - 278306E-mail: [email protected]

2. Vikas Bharti19, Gramayatan, Arogya Bhawan 1, Bariyatu Road, Ranchi- 834009Off.Ph. 0651-2545836, 2546001Email: [email protected],www.vikasbharti.net


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Sewa Kunj Brochure

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